




COFmiCHT DEPOSIT. 



SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 





THE SCOUT 

OF THE 

GOLDEN CROSS 


PAUL GORDON 



NEW YORK 

HENRY HOLT AND COMPANY 

1920 


Copyright, 1920 

BY 

Henry Holt and Company 



§)CU601565 


VOV I6i92f 




TO 

THE MEMORY OF 

MV DEAR FATHER 

THIS VOLUME IS 
MOST LOVINGLY DEDICATED 



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CONTENTS 

CHAPTER 

I Introducing the Conners . 

II Dick and Larry Find a Friend . 

III In Which the Conners See Stars 

IV En Koute ....... 

V Shrimp Tries the Water Cure . 

VI The Boys Learn Things . 

VII Conspiracy 

VIII Dick and Larry Learn by Doing . 

IX The Council Fire 

X Breakers x\head! 

XI The Report 

XII Vive la Cookery Scout! . 

XIII In Which a Very Important Tri- 

umvirate Comes into Being . 

XIV Fire! 

XV In Which an Altercation Takes 
Place 

XVI Destructive Spirits at Work . 


PAGE 

1 

17 

31 

• 

39 

50 

58 

77 

89 

104 

125 

133 

149 

153 

158 

1G4 

175 


CONTENTS 

CHAPTER PAGE 

XVII Fistics 181 

XVIII 8yd Hears the Bugle Blast . . 18G 

XIX In Which Shrimp Hears of a 

Misfortune 190 

XX Our Friends Learn to Swim . . 193 

XXI Explanation at Last ! . . . . 198 


ILLUSTRATIONS 


Frontispiece. 

Standing- in the doorway were two boys, iiii- 
donbtedlv brothers 


PAGE 





Tlie cart was soon rii»hted again, and the 

colninn moved on 5b 


^LVll togetlier, fellows; the seont 0)e ])re- 

pared ^ yell — three ^ Syds ’ on the end ’’ llb*^ 

He carried his burden to the end of the roof . 1G2^ 

AMth a shriek Shi'ini]) tumbled over back- 
wards and landed heavily on the ground ISd^ 

lie walked back to Dick and pinned the 

shiny medal on him 208 


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CHAPTER I 


INTRODUCING THE CONNERS 

have you any idea of the standings of 
^ the scouts ill Pine-tree Patrol since ^ Pa ^ 
Kavaiiagh offered that medal for individual efti- 
ciency in scouting? ” 

Sam Cross, more popularly known to the scouts 
of CTayville Troop as Shrimp,” because of his 
stunted stature, looked inquiringly at his chum. 

Senior Patrol Leader Sydney Cameron, a lad 
probably a year the better of his companion, 
shook his head dubiously. 

I’m sure I don’t know. Mr. Kavaiiagh 
has the records which, for some reason or other 
known to himself, he prefers to keep secret. 
What I can tell yon, however, is this : yon haven’t 
the ghost of a chance of wearing that medal.’’ 
In his turn the Pine-tree patrol leader was 
sorely dismayed. He had expected to receive no 
such unfavorable answer. 

A^on — yon don’t mean that I haven’t been 
toeing the line, keeping up to the mark with the 

rest of the fellows,” he sputtered. Do yon? 

1 


9 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


Don’t I pay my dues regularly, attend all troop 
meetings, and come out on hikes?’’ 

Altliongli he sought to draw some encourage- 
ment from this remark, he failed. Deep, some- 
wliere in his conscience, he admitted to himself 
tliat Sydney had spoken the truth. 

Oh, tliat’s all well and good,” answered the 
older hoy with unconcealed disgust, but what 
yon lack is real scout si)irit. It’s a poor scout 
wlio doesn’t ])ay dues and show u]) at hikes and 
meetings. You’re only a scout in the meeting 
room and eyen there you’re a source of general 
nuisance.” 

Sam, realizing the uselessness of trying to pur- 
sue Ids point, now attempted to turn his friend’s 
attention to other matters. Ah troop headquar- 
ters loomed up into yiew Shrimp automatically 
quickened his pace. 

Hallo,” he yelled as he began to administer 
a rain of kicks to the ponderous wooden door, 
it looks as though the Ixyys haye not yet 
arriyed.” Sydney had by this time caught up 
with him. 

Clayyille Troo]) met in an attractiye looking 
little log cabin about a mile out of town. The 
scouts had erected it the summer before under 
the snperyision of their scout-master, the prin- 


INTRODUCING THE CONNERS 


3 


cipal of the village high school, who was widely 
known for his interest in boys and their doings. 
Thanks to his splendid leadership, Cdayville 
Troop was now a well-organized troop of four 
full patrols; the Pine-trees, Eagles, Bears and 
Panthers. Clayville Grove, the locality in which 
the cabin was situated, was the favorite haunt of 
the scouts on Saturday evenings, that being the 
meeting night. 

Shrimp soon grew fatigued with his strenuous 
exercise and declared that as he was in no par- 
ticular hurry he would have a seat and invited 
Sydney to do likewise. 

Though apparently gazing out into space the 
boys stole occasional hasty glances at each other 
in an effort to read each other’s thoughts. At 
such times Avhen their glances met the boys would 
color visibly and turn away with an air of in- 
difference. 

Some fifteen minutes of this diversive pastime 
had gone by when Sydney began to feel as though 
it were time for the rest of the troop to arrive. 

I wonder where those fellows are,” he said, 
thus reopening the conversation. What time 
is it. Shrimp?” 

It’s seven-thirty now,” Shrimp replied. 

This is such a fine May evening that they have 


4 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


j)robal)lv gone to escort Mr. Kavanagli out to the 
cabin and — bnt hello, here they are now.’’ 

A crowd of khaki-clad boys were coining up 
over the hill : some awkwardly, some gracefully, 
some pushing, others pulling. But on they came, 
each way and every way. In the center of this 
group of ardent admirers stood the scoutmaster 
and his assistant, Mr. Mars. Both gentlemen, it 
seemed, were exposed to a ceaseless volley of un- 
intelligible questions to which they in turn had 
all the}^ could do to turn deaf ears. One lad in 
particular, a certain Ted Thatcher who had 
earned for himself the approiiriate surname of 
Eternal Question,’’ hung on to the scoutmas- 
ter s arm as though his very life depended upon 
it. 

It had grown (piite dark since they had ar- 
rived, thus offering an opportunity for the scout- 
master to free himself and begin the meeting. 
He took advantage of it without delay. 

Here, scouts,” he shouted — the boys had 
been raising an intolerable noise, we've had 
enough of that sort of thing. Get into the cabin 
and be quiet. We have a considerable amount 
of Tenderfoot review work to attend to to-night.” 
With a rousing chorus of hurrahs the scouts 
plunged into the cabin and proceeded to take 


INTRODUCING THE CONNERS 


5 


their places in an orderly manner. As is cus- 
tomary, the senior patrol leader took his place 
in the presiding officer’s chair with the scout- 
master and his assistant on either sides as guests, 
but having no part in the proceedings save to 
offer suggestions whenever they might be deemed 
necessar3^ 

It may be well here to describe the interior of 
the cabin of which Clayville troop was so proud. 
Directly opposite the door was a small desk that 
had been donated by one of the scouts. An artis- 
tic chair made of branches (a piece of scout 
handicraft) was immediately behind. Two 
somewhat larger chairs of like pattern stood at 
the side now occupied by the troop’s commis- 
sioned officers. Four long benches, each capable 
of accommodating eight persons, were placed one 
behind the otlier facing the desk. The slab over 
the fireplace held decorations of woodchuck 
pelts and other objects, including a silver cup 
that had been won by the troop the September 
before. On the other side of the cabin was a 
radio outfit identically like the one described by 
the Boy Scout Wireless Club in the official 

Handbook for Boys.’’ Posted on the near-by 

wall was the station signal, — 

— , and below this in [dain 


6 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


view of every one, the General Sei'vice Code and 
the si)ecial list of convent ionals as used in wire- 
less tele^ra]>liy. 


GENERAL SERVICE CODE 


A 

B 

c 

D 

£ 

r 

«Biii 

sssieBA 

Q3B9 


>• 


G 

H 


J 

K 

L 


• 09^ 

AO 

AoiBaaBH 


•oBi«e 

M 

N 

o 

P 

Q 

R 

OB hob 

HW O 

BBS kb ns 

ABaBBnA. 


ABBA 

s 

T 

u 

V 

W' 

X 

a«4 

mS' 

(•e mm 


• m GS 

m#A 


Y Z 

■■•■■MB aBEniBO. 

I 2 d 4 5 ! 

•voBBOl Onasai ^•9cnw. »•••• 

6 T 8 9 o 

«BB«BC0 BHEBOOa ■BBaBB BBaiBa 

Single Interval (end of word). 

(Space) 

Double Interval (period, end of sentence). 

• • • • • • 

Tri})le Interval (end of message). 

• • • 

Comma. . — . — . — 

Distress signal (ship stations only) 


INTRODUCING THE CONNERS 


7 


Attention (or call) . The call is composed of the 
attention signal — . — . — followed by the call 
letters of the station called, repeated three 
times (if nnknown nse C Q in place of call let- 
ters of station called), followed by D E and 
then the call letters of the calling station, re- 
peated three times. 

Invitation to transmit (go ahead) — . — 

Signal separating preamble from address, ad- 
di ’ess from text and text from signature 

• • • — 

End of message . — . — . 

End of work ... — . — followed by the call letter 
of sending station and — . — 

Received (acknowledgment of receipt of mes- 
sage) R followed by the call letter of the re- 
ceiving station and personal signal of the re- 
ceiving operator. 

Here is another message — . — . — (attention 
call) . 

Understood (or I understand) ... — . followed 
by the call letters of station. 

Not understood (or repeat) .. .. (Inter- 

rogatory) and the last word received. 

Error 

Wait . — . . . 

Official (government) message OEM 


'8 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


(First word of i)reamble of all radiograms) 
H A D I O. 


Abbrevia- 

tion 


Question 


Answer 


QR J 


Q R K 

QRQ 
g 11 8 

ll T 
g R U 
XX 

eg 


How many words have you 
to send? 

How do you receive me? 
ShaR I send faster? 

Sliall I send slower ? 

Shall I stop sending? 

Have you anything for me? 
Interference 

General inquiry call (when 


I have words to send. 

I am receiving well. 

Send faster. 

Send slower. 

Stop sending. 

I have nothing for you. 

all of station is unknown). 


Holy aromatic spirits of ammonia,” grum- 
bled Shrimp as he reached his seat, that hack- 
neyed tenderfoot stuff again ! ” 

A gravel stroke sounded and was followed by 
a silence. Sydney rose slowly to his feet. 

In the name of (Tayville Troop I call this 
meeting to order. Scouts, stand.” 

The assemblage stood as one. 

In conformity with the usual custom of this 
troop, the first ceremony of the evening will be 
that of saluting and pledging allegiance to the 
flag.” 

A beautiful flag was majestically draped over 
his head and Sjalney faced about. As he did so 
the scouts brought tlieir hands sharply to their 
hat-brims — three fingers extended and joined 
with thumb bent over little finger : — 


INTRODUCING THE CONNERS 


9 


I pledge allegiance to my flag and to the re- 
public for which it stands; one nation indivis- 
ible, with liberty and justice for all/’ 

We will now repeat the scout’s oath,” con- 
tinued Sydney. 

There Avas a restless motion among the bo3^s 
in the first and second roAvs. Sa^I looked com- 
prehendingly at the Pine-tree patrol leader, Avho 
sat np, and promptly at that. 

On my honor I aa ill do my best — 

^‘1. To do ni}^ duty to God and my country, 
and to obey the scout laAV : 

2. To help other people at all times : 

3. To keep myself ph^^sically strong, men- 
tally aAA ake, and morally straight.’’ 

Noav folloAved a brief intermission during 
Avhich the senior jmtrol leader and scoutmaster 
exchanged a feAV aa ords. 

Let ns repeat tlie tAveh^e points of the scout 
biAV, expounding each one as Ave go along.” 

The scouts drcAV breath and began : 

1. A scout is trustworthy. 

A scout’s honor is to be trusted. If he 
AA ere to violate his honor by telling a lie, or by 
cheating, or by not doing exactly a gWen task, 
Avhen trusted on his honor, he may be directed 
' to hand OA^er his scout badge. 


10 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


2. scout is loyal. 

He is loyal to all to whom loyalty is due : 
his scout leader, his home, and parents and 
country. 

3. A scout is helpful. 

He must be ]>repared at any time to save 
life, help injured persons, and share the home 
duties. He must do at least one i^ood turn to 
somebody every day. 

4. A scout is friendly. 

He is a friend to all and a brother to every 
other scout. 

5. A scout is courteous. 

He is ])olite to all, especially to women, 
children, old peo])le, and the weak and help- 
less. He must not take pay for being helpful 
or courteous. 

G. A scout is kind. 

He is a friend to animals. lie will not kill 
nor hurt any living creature needlessly, but 
will strive to save and i)rotect all harmless 
life. 

7. A scout is obedient. 

He ol)eys his ]uirents, scoutmaster, patrol 
leader, and all other duly constituted authori- 
ties. 

8. A scout is cheerful. 

He smiles whenever he can. Ilis obedience 


INTRODUCING THE CONNERS 


11 


to orders is ])roiiipt and cheery. He never 
shirks nor «'rninl)les at hardshi})s. 

9. A scout is thrifty. 

He does not wantonly destroy property. 
He works faithfully, Avastes nothing, and 
makes the best nse of liis 0 ])])ortnnities. He 
saves his inoiiev so tliat he inav pav Ids own 
way, be generous to those in need, and hel])fnl 
to wortliy objects. 

He may work for ]>ay, l)nt must not receive 
tips for courtesies or good turns. 

10. A scout is brave. 

He lias tlie courage to face danger in spite 
of fear, and to stand np for tlie right against 
the coaxings of friends or the jeers or threats 
of enemies, and defeat does not down him. 

^^11. A scont is clean. 

He kee])s clean in body and thought, stands 
for clean speech, clean sport, clean habits, and 
travels with a clean crowd. 

“ 12. A scont is reverent. 

He is reverent toward God. He is faithful 
in his religions duties, and respects the convic- 
tions of others in matters of custom and re- 
ligion. 

And does a ^ Good Turn ’ daily.’’ 

Scouts, be seated.” Sydney had no sooner 
littered the words than the scouts tumbled into 


12 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


tlieir seats, buzzing and keen for the business 
of the meeting. 

We’ll dispense with all unnecessary business 
to-night/’ put in Mr. Kavanagh, as onr senior 
patrol leader has prepared to give ns a thorough 
review of TendeiToot work. All right, ^^yd, yon 
inav commence.’’ 

c 

Before I ])roceed with the main work of the 
evening,” began Sydney, but a loud and deter- 
mined knock sounded on the door, bringing all 
heads around. Little Willard Franklin, who 
hap})ened to sit near by, leaped over a bench be* 
tween himself and the door and pulled open the 
bolt. 

As Shrimp played his eyes on the two forms 
silhouetted in the doorway, a bright look of recog- 
nition flashed across his countenance. 

Just as I thought,” he squeaked, turning to 
the scout beside him and administering a jab in 
the ribs. Thev’re Dick and Larrv Conner, 
those two hard specimens who moved out here 
from New York last week. They stoj)ped me yes- 
terday and said they wanted to join the troop, 
but I thought they were too tough for the rest 
of the ^ tribe.’ ” 

The other scout disagreed. 

“ You’re not the whole troop. Where do you 


INTRODUCING THE CONNERS 


13 


get that stiitf? How’s it tliat you have the right 
to say who's joining the troop. Gee, Mr. Kav- 
aiiagh lias a word to say too — hasn't he? ’’ 

Under this rebntf the Pine-tree Patrol leader's 
demeanor, remained niiehanged. ^lore intent 
upon being contrary than before, he looked the 
boys over critically from head to foot and shook 
his dissatisfaction. 

The very idea of two such people daring to 
come to a meeting of Clayville Troop,’’ he said 
to himself. Why, it’s preposterous.” 

And now the visitors. Standing in the door- 
way, caps in hands, were two boys, undoubtedly 
brothers. Search where yon might, two persons 
more alike in appearance and manner were never 
found. The same bristling hair, dirty teeth, 
gray jerseys, and snub noses were manifest. 
Both wore on their faces an expression of bewil- 
derment. Balancing themselves first on one foot 
and then on another, they made their way np to 
the scoutmaster with their months agape. 

Good evening, boys,” greeted Mr. Kavanagh 
tremulonsly — for indeed he was nobly restrain- 
ing himself from bursting into a hearty laugh, 
is there anything I can do for yon? ” 

Evenin’,” responded the lads with some alac- 


u 


14 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 



Standing in the doorway were two boys, undoubtedly brothers. 


Yell,’’ continued the boy avIio appeared to 
be the older of the two, not at all abashed bv the 
audible snicker that ])assed round the room. 
I'm Eitchie Conner and this is iiie brndder, 


INTRODUCING THE CONNERS 


15 


Larn^ AVe ain’t out liere moved out from 

de cdty las' week. AVlieii we wuz tliere we seen 
snnipin o’ de scouts and so I tells Larry that 
we Older git inter snmpin patriotic, like reg’lar 
guys, where we kin do real soivice fer the gova- 
niint.” 

No ohjekshnns if we join your ‘ click/ mister 
— is it? Larry i)i])ed out anxiously. 

Not at all, my boys,” answered the scout- 
master warmly, not at all : onlj^ too glad to see 
that you’re interested. lUit — as I think of it — 
aren’t you bovs the two who entered Clavville 
High School on transfer from Stnvvesant of New 
York, and isn’t your father the — Mr. Kav- 
anagh understood and tried to save the boys pos- 
sible discomfort. 

ThaCs right,” Dick answered with much re- 
flected pride, Dad’s the janitor now over at the 
liigh school.” 

The scoutmaster was dumbfounded luit in- 
spired. 

This is true blue kn^alty and untlinching 
pride for yon,” he said retlectingly. AVith 
these all things have been accomplished.” He 
extended a hand to him. 

Ititchie first looked suspiciously at the prof- 
fered hand and then as its significance became 


16 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


clearer, braced percei)tibly, and accepted it witli 
a iniicli improved grin that enconi])assed the en- 
tire length and breadth of his visage. That is, 
after he had (deaned(?) his hand by rnbbing it 
briskl}^ on his sweater. 

Get right in there among the boys on the 
first bench.’’ 

They obeyed eagerly. 

While all this was going on a heav}^ silence 
had fallen over the room ; one which — strange 
to relate — had heretofore passed unnoticed. 


CHAPTER II 


DICK AND LARRA^ FIND A FRIEND 

I^VD got to his foot again and continued from 
the ])oint where he had been so nnexj)ectedly 
iiiterrii])t(Ml. 

Fellows,” he spoke seriously, Sconting is a 
bi-oad subject and recpiires (piite as iniich thought 
and concentration as anything that yon might 
undertake in yonr school or daily life. It doesn't 

t/ ty 

consist only — as so many think — of wearing a 

ty t- O 

uniform and passing tests. It's the true self- 
conscious attitude you take towards it that 
counts. To-day the Boy Scout moyement is 
eyerywhere recognized as the finest institution of 
its kind. In this country particularly it is fast 
becoming looked up to as the organization that 
produces the man of the future. By teaching 
lo}^alty and insisting on trustworthiness it turns 
out honest and unquestionably reliable citizens. 
Make the best of the big opportunity thereby af- 
forded you. Be scouts.” 

c 

When he stopped, a thundering acclamation 

17 


18 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


rewarded liis liumlde ” effoiT. A voiee in the 
rear of the cabin sang ont : Fine, bnt a bit too 

howeiT, Svd.” 

The speaker promptly retorted: No com- 

ments from the peanut gallery, please.’’ 

Another wave of a])])lanse. Syd graciously 
acknowledged it and began with the business of 
the meeting. 

The Handbook says : ^ To become a scont a 
boy must be at least twelve years of age. Upon 
demonstrating to the satisfaction of the scout- 
master his ability to repeat the Scont Oath and 
Law in fall and his thorough knowledge of their 
meaning, and upon passing the following tests, 
the boy formally subscribes to the oath and law 
and is registered as a tenderfoot scont, and is 
then entitled to wear the tenderfoot badge and 
the official scont nniform. 

^ 1. Know the Scont Laws, motto, sign, sa- 
lute, and signiticance of the badge. 

^ 2. Know the coni])osition and history of the 
national flag and the customary forms of respect 
due to it. 

^ 3. Tie the following knots : square or reef, 
sheet-bend, bowline, fisherman’s, sheepshank, 
halter, clove hitch, timber hitch, and two half 
hitches. 


DICK AND LARRY FIND A FRIEND 19 


Ilai'iy, von repeat tlie scout motto, give tlie 
salute and sign, and demonstrate the liaiidsliake/’ 
Harold Davies, a scout in the second row of 
seats, gave the motto, Be Prepared.” lie then 
executed the salute as described before and car- 
ried his arm to the side for the sign. Turning 
to a boy beside him he held out his hand — three 
lingers joined, small linger se[)arate — and 
clasped hands with him. 

That’s it,” smiled Sydney approvingly. xVl- 
wa^^s bear in mind, scouts, that the sign and 
handclasp are the ways of knowing a brother 
scout. IVlieii using either, put some feeling and 
pep ” along with it. We have a lot to do, so I’ll 
tell you the signilicance of the badge myself to 
save time. 

^^Y"ou see, it isn’t intended to represent either 
a lleur-de-lis or an arrowhead des})ite its resem- 
blance to both. It is the modilied sign of the 
North slightly different in detail from that on 
the compass. The Chinese claim its veiy early 
use among them for navigation purposes. xVs 
time went on the sign of the North became more 
and more im})ortant in its signilicance and woods- 
men, pioneers, and ex})lorers adopted it as their 
emblem. To-day it is the emblem of our great 
movement. This trefoil badge is now used, ex- 


20 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


cept for some minor clian«’es, in every civilized 
communitv as the mark of brotlierliood, 2,’ood citi- 
zensliip, and friendliness. The trefoil refers to 
the three points of the Scont Oath and serves to 
remind the scout of the oblipitions which he has 
thereby to fnllil. This part of the badge with 
the eagle and coat of arms, symbolic of loyalty 
superimposed, is worn by the tenderfoot. A boy 
n])on i)assing his second class examinations is 
allowed to wear the scroll or lower part which 
is curved like a sconUs month in the act of 
smiling, and denotes the cheerfulness with which 
a scout goes about his work, and has upon it the 
motto Be Prepared.” That means that a scout 
should l)e prepared at all times to save life, help 
injured persons, and make himself generally effi- 
cient in carrying out the scout program. The 
knot reminds him to do his daily turn. The 
badge worn by the first class scout is the whole 
badge. 

Sydney paused to collect himself. 

(Jnr scoutmaster has a little snri)rise in 
store for ns to-night,” he said, so I think Idl 
turn the meeting over to him.’^ 

The scoutmaster acknowledged the- senior 
patrol leader's words with a nod of the head, 
and took the chair. 


DICK AND LARRY' FIND A FRIEND '21 


When Sydney asked me to take cdiarge of 
some of the work to-night,” he began, I was at 
a loss to decide just what I would talk about. 
Lve determined to let yon hear what I know 
about the flag so that yon may better judge for 
yourselves whether scoutmasters were only in- 
vented to make von work. Mind von it's no lec- 
tnre; only a sort of off-hand affair. 

“ No doubt many of you know that after the 
I leclaiation of Independence had been signed, it 
was thought that the United States as a free 
and independent nation ought to have a flag of 
its own. Ib-evions to this time, at the beginning 
of the war, a large variety of flags had been used. 
The one flown by the first war vessels commis- 
sioned by Washington, was called the pine-treu 
flag,” and originated with the Massachusetts 
colony. It was conij)osed of a Avhite background 
with a pine tree in the center and bore the motto, 
Appeal to Heaven.” The American troops 
sometimes used the Ilritish flag, considering 
themselves still a part of the British nation. 
AVhile in command at Cambridge, AYashington 
unfurled before the army a new flag having thir- 
teen strii)es alternate red and white, but showing 
in the n})per left-hand corner the red and white 
cross that then marked the English flag. An- 


22 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


other flacj used hy our revolutionary forces rep- 
resented a snake divided into tliirteen pieces; 
each part hearing’ the initials (or initial) of one 
of the thirteen original colonies. On this flag 
Avas the appeal Unite or Die.” Later on, still 
another l^aiiner Avas carried 1)A" onr soldiers show- 
ing the thirteen parts united and this time the 
snake Avith ])rojecting feelers hissing the deflaiit 
Avarning, ^ Don't Tread On ^fel’ 

As earlv as seventv vears before onr Avar for 
• • » 

freedom a flag Avas carried displaying the red and 
Avhite cross of St. George. 

Noaa’ I come back to the jdace Avhere I began 
from : the iieAv flag. A flag committee consisting 
of Genei-al Washington, Colonel George Ross, 
and the IToii. Robert ^Morris, entrusted ]Miss 
Betsy Ross, a patriotic young lady of Philadel- 
phia and niece of Colonel Ross, Avith the mission 
of making this neAv standard of Democracy. 
This flag comprised thirteen stripes alternate 
red and Avhite, but instead of the British Jack 
it had in the upper left-hand corner a fleld of 
bine Avitli thirteen stars arranged in a circle; 
one star and one strii>e for each of the ^ Old Thir- 
teen.’ It AA’as at first planned to add a iieAv star 
and a iieAV stripe for each ncAV state that Avas ad- 
mitted to the union, but Avhen at one time there 


DICK AND LARRY FIND A FRIEND 23 


Avere fifteen stripes in the fla. 2 ,', congress decided 
to enact a law concerning the admission of states 
and their representation on the national flag. 

One thing I have omitted: the reason for tlie 
choice of tlie colors red, white and bine. AVasli- 
ington said: MVe take the stars from Hea^-eip 
the red from oiir mother conntry, separating it 
by white stripes, and the white stripes shall go 
down to j)Osterity representing liberty.' Onr flag 
Avas born — in the sense of the beginning of its 
official history — on June 14, 1777. All that 
remains noAV to be learned is a feAV of its orig- 
inal comidications and the laAvs and forms of 
respect that are due to it. 

Some historians claim that the idea of the 
fiA"e-i)ointed star Avas taken from the roAvel of a 
si)iir. It Avas really suggested by Miss Doss. 
Some Avriters Inwe said that the general idea of 
the flag Avas based on the design of AVashing- 
ton’s coat of arms, Avhile still others eA^en noAV 
declare that it Avas taken — as far as the stripes 
are concerned — from the thirteen-striped ban- 
ner of the Philadelphia troop of light horse. 
Notwithstanding, i)opnlar tradition has it that 
the flag, as a Avhole, Avas planned and made by 
Miss Petsy Doss in 177G. An Act to establish 
the tlag of the United States reads: 


21 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


^ Sec. 1. Be it enacted, etc., That from and 
after the fourth day of Jnly next, the flag of the 
United States be tliirteen liorizontal stripes, 
alternate red and white; that the nnion have 
twenty stars, white in a bine field. 

^Sec. 2. Be it farther enacted, That, on the 
admission of eveiw new state into the nnion, one 
star be added^to the nnion of the flag; and that 
such addition shall take effect on the fourth day 
of Jnly succeeding such admission.’ 

t- vT’ 

These amendments passed congress on April 
4, ISH).” 

All at once Mr. Kayanagh sto])ped. He looked 
around and asked: Tired yet? ” 

No, sir.” 

Very well then, bear just a little longer. 

The following is simi)ly a list of proper forms 
of res})ect due to the national flag. They are 
laid down by the ^-Sons and Daughters of The 
Bevolution ’ : 

1. The flag slionld never be hoisted before 
sunrise nor allowed to fly after sunset. 

‘‘ 2. The flag should never be permitted to 
touch the ground. 

3. The flag should never be used for commer- 
cial purposes. 


DICK AND I.ARRY FIND A FRIEND 25 


4. When tlie Hag is formally raised, stand 
at salute. 

5. Stand at salute daring ^ Ketreat.’ 

G. When the colors i>ass in parade stand at 
attention and salute, whether in nniform or not. 

7. All sconts out of ranks face toward the 
flag, stand at attention and ])ay the same respect 
as that paid by sconts in formation. 

“ 8. While in rank, only the officers in com- 
mand of the troop salutes. 

9. When the ^ Star-Si)angled Danner ’ is 
played, every scont should face the musicians 
and stand at attention with the hand raised to 
the brim of the hat or forehead, retaining this 
position until the last note of the music, when the 
hand is drop])ed to the side. 

10. Tlie same ])rocednre is followed when the 
flag is lowered at ^ Detreat ’ and the band ])lays 
the ^ Star-S])angled Danner ' or the l)ngler sounds 
^ To The Color.’ 

^‘11. AVhen crossed with other flags, oiir flag 
should always be on the right side. 

12. When hnng in the horizontal position, 
the union should always l)e in the upper left-hand 
corner. It should be in the upper right-hand 
corner when the flag is hung vertically. 


26 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


13. On no condition should the national flag 
be used as a trade-mark. In some states this is 
considered a misdemeanor. 

14. When lowering the flag to half-mast, first 
draw it to the top and then lower. 

15. The flag is flown at half-mast from snn- 
rise niitil noon on Decoration Day, and fnll-staff 
from noon until ^ Retreat.’ 

For the remaining work. I’ll turn the meet- 
ing over to Sydney again.’’ 

Mr. Kavanagh resumed his seat as the senior 
l^atrol leader prepared for the next work in 
hand. 

I’m sure everybody enjoyed ^Ir. Kavanagh’s 
talk. Next time he gets np here we’ll give him 
something worthy of himself.” 

Tlie scontmaster langlied. 

We’ll not say aii}^ more about that. What 
will we do next? ’’ 

Let’s make a holiday of it and paint Farmer 
Rnrns’ goat green,” Slirimp yelled. 

The boys were langhing nproarionsly. 

Good suggestion,” commented the leader, 
but don't you think it rather ini])racticable 
staring into the muz/de of a heavy pepper and 
salt load? Go on, Mr. Chairman.” 


DICK AND LARRY FIND A FRIEND 27 


There is only one phase of tenderfoot work 
left for ns to review,’’ Sydney observed, that 
of knot-tyiiii»\ Hubert, what are the three parts 
of a knot and tell what each is used for? ” 

A small seont s])ran^’ np. The first part is 
the ^ standiiif^ part ’ or ])art on which the knot 
is made; the second part is the M)ii^Iit ’ or loop 
formed whenever the ro])e is turned hack n])on 
itself ; and the third is the ^ leadin<»; part ’ or part 
nsed in making the knot.’’ 

W( 11 done,” Syd a])i)landed, is there any 
one who hasn't that ch'arly in mind now?” 

All seemed to a])prehend perfectly, so the in- 
structor thought it safe to proceed. 

Slirini]), what are the three qualities of a 
good knot? ” 

Laj^idity with which it can be tied, its ability 
to hold fast when tightened, and the readiness 
with which it may be undone,” Shrimp responded 
with some exertion on his part. 

What do you know about ^ whipping ’ a 
roi)e?” Syd demanded. 

IiO])es are ai>t to fray, sometimes,” answered 
the scout, so we wliip the ends to prevent it. 
You lay a [)iece of cotton or thin string along the 
end of the ro})e and turn the string about the rope 


28 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


until tlie end of the string is covered. Then push 
the other end of the cotton or string under the 
last few turns and pull them tight.’’ 

I'm not quite through with you as yet/’ Syd 
called as Shrimp was about to take his seat. 

When I call off the list of knots, you tell me 
what each is used for. Heady: Heef or Scjuare- 
knot? ” 

That's used for first aid i)uri)oses and for 
tying ro])es togetlier. It never slips. Scouts 
often use it to make tlie S(piare knots in their 
neckercliiefs." 

Grannv or False Heef? ” 

« ' 

Not used for anything as it slips.’’ 

Slieet Hend or Weaver’s Knot? ” 

Useful in tying two ropes together.’’ 

Halter Slij) or Hunning Knot? ” 

Used for hitching horses and other domestic 
animals. It ma}" be used as a simple lariat.” 
Slieepshank? ” 

‘^For shortening ropes.’’ 

The Bowline? ” 

This knot doesn’t slip. It is used to lower 
persons from a burning building or for other 
rescue work. By slipping tlie roi)e through the 
bowline one can have an excellent permanent 
lasso.” 


DICK AND LARRY FIND A FRIEND 


29 


'' Clove Ilitdi?” 

useful ill lasliiii<>’ loj^s or spars together 
for scaffolding or making a raft.’’ 

Timber Hitch? ’’ 

For hauling timber.’’ 

'' Dlack Avail Hitch?” 

For securing a rope to a hook.” 

^^Tavo Half Hitches?” 

They’re used to tie a rope to a ring or spar.” 
Fisherman’s Dend? ” 

For the same pnrjiose.” 

Fisherman’s Knot? ’’ 

ITied in fishing Avork to tie silkAvorm gnt.” 
Becket Hitch? ” 

For joining a string to a rope.” 

And the Carrick Bend?” 

They use that bend for uniting haAVsers for 
toAving.’’ 

^MVell,” sighed Syd, ^Sve’Am completed onr 
tenderfoot Avork. Don’t forget to study your 
notes in the Handbook.” 

AVhat about a hike OAmr Decoration Dav, 
Thursday and Friday,” shouted a scout. “ AVe 
have no school, you knoAV.” 

An enthusiastic chorus of Ahs ’’ greeted this 
proposal in Avhich the gruff voices of the Conners 
Avere heard. They had by this time begun to feel 


30 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


(Elite at lioiiie. Tliey liad a])i)ai*eiitly been tak- 
ing notes of all the work tliat was going on, as 
tlu\y were literally knee deej) in ])a])ers of sonie 
mysterious origin. Deing of frank, forward 
nature, they had already established tlieinselyes 
well with the trooj), excluding, of course, Shrini]). 

As to the hike,-’ Syd ninsed, I belieye that’s 
np to ]Mr. Kayanagh. How about it. Pa? ’’ 

Ver}" well/’ conceded the scoutmaster, as 
yon say. Assemble here at 7 :30 Thursday morn- 
ing, without your wheels, in full marching 
order, and with a light lunch, because where 
we’re going Ayill take ns quite a while. We’ll get 
there just in time to eat. The treasury is good, 
so you will leaye the rest to ^Ir. Mars and my- 


self. IPs ten o’clock,” obseryed the scoutmaster 
with surprise u})on consulting his watch, I 
guess we’d better adjourn or I’ll haye your par- 
ents blaming me for ke(q)ing yon out late, and I 
can’t afford to jeo])ardize my reputation as a 
scoutmaster. Good-night I ” 

With a long chorus of Hurrahs ’’ the meeting 
broke up as it had begun. Sydney walked ])art 
of the way home with the Conners and planted 
the seed of a friendship that was to stand the 
acid test,” 


CHAPTER III 


IN AVHICH THE CONNEHS SEE STAES 

TT is almost needless to ineiitioii that the three 
(lays preceding' Decoration Day proved nn- 
nsnally long and tedious to the young scouts. The 
boys’ minds were already wandering to the far- 
distant, pine-skirted trails of the monn tains. For 
the scouts of Clayville were especially fortunate 
in having a lofty range of the Adirondacks near 
Iw, presenting untold opportunity for them to get 
in close touch with nature in short time. Mount 
Eoyal, the most prominent point of all, was less 
than four miles away. Its steep and rocky peak, 
almost inaccessil)le to ordimiry pedestrians and 
vacationists, was freqnentl}^ the scene of hikes. 
These Clayville boys, true mountain climbing 
enthusiasts, were once even known to have 
reached the very brink of the precipice which 
marked the pinnacle. 

The eve of the great hike found the scouts too 
preoccupied to bother about such unworldly 

things as Latin, History, and Mathematics. 

31 


32 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


F]adi was l)usily engaged expei-iinentiiig on vari- 
ous methods of adjusting e(inii)inent to his j)er- 
son. Long lists of articles were checked np and 
l)aggage laid ont; in short, in every scout’s home 
an atmosphere of haste and preparation pre- 
vailed. 

That is, in all households except one — the 
Conners’. That Poverty Is Piches ” is a well- 
known proverb. If the words be true then these 
boys were wealth}^, for they had poverty and to 
spare. Their mother h-aving died a year before, 
the boys and their father retired to the quiet 
little town of CTayville, away fram the noisy 
metropolis, where the latter secured the position 
of janitor in the high school. By his meager 
earnings together with what the two sons earned 
doing chores for the neighbors, when not at 
school, the little family was able to enjoy only 
the simplest needs of life. Althongh Dick was 
a third-year student at high school and his 
brother a soi)hom*ore, their former rongh city 
environment had developed in them an nneonth- 
ness which often made them irksome company. 
They were, nevertheless, clean at heart. 

In their rickety little house at the foot of 
Bay Street, the boys pre])ared for the much an- 
ticipated event as best they were able. No tine 


IN WHICH THE CONNERS SEE STARS 33 


equipment nor Inxnrions Iniieli was theirs. 
They laid out their plain, coarse meal for the 
morrow and then repaired to the front porch to 
enjoy the balmy breezes of that beantifnl spring 
evening. 

As they sat thei'e drinking in nature’s breath 
they cast their eyes skyward. 

‘‘(fee, if T onl}^ knew how ter make head or 
tail outer that jumble o’ stars!” 

Both boys looked snrj^risedl}^ at each other. 
Evideiitlj^ their trains of thought had been drift- 
ing ill the same channel because both had said 
the identical thing simnltaneonsly. And a bean- 
tifnl I3" clear night for star observation it was. 
Not a cloud obscured the sky and the constella- 
tions blazed forth in all their grandeur. 

Yep,’’ Larry admitted, it certainly would 
be great if we had somebody here to explain 
them to ns.” 

As if their request had been granted by Provi- 
dence, a whistle was heard from the gate. Look- 
ing up, the boys beheld Sydney waving to them 
as he entered. 

Good evening,” he said, saluting; ^Giow are 
onr new scouts? Busy, I suppose, getting things 
in shape for to-morrow? I ha])pened to be pass- 
ing here on the way back from Shrimp’s place. 


34 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


so I tlioiiglit I would drop in for a few minutes 
to see how you were getting’ on.” 

Have a seat,” Larry invited, placing a ch-air 
hetween the otlier two. 

Syd expressed liis gratitude and took the chair 
indicated. 

After a moment's hesitation Dick said : Mr. 

Uameron — " 

Sydney interrupted liini. Just plain ^ S}ul/ 
if you ])lease.’’ 

Well, Syd, then,” corrected the flustered 
Dick, would you please tell us about the stars? 
All 1 know is that there are twelve bundles that 
they calls the ^ twelve constellations of the 
zodiac.’ What does that mean? ” 

Tlie}^ are the groups that mark the course 
througli Avhich the sun seems to travel each year. 
ICver hear of ^ Orion '? ’’ 


^d)’I\yan? Sure,” Larry snapped. He's 
tlie gu}^ — the Major General who commands the 
New York state militia.’’ 

No, no,” laughed Sydney, I mean the fellow 
all made of stars that we see in the southern 
hemisphere during the Avinter. You know, the 
three stars that form Ids belt point to the dog 
star, Sirius, which follows him in his jiursuit 
of the bull Taurus. Of course, we can’t see 


IN WHICH THE CONNERS SEE STARS 35 


bill! now bjectinse Orion is a winter grouj).” 
►Sydney pointed to the sonthern horizon. 

Look at that group of stars there — what do 
they look like? ’^ 

Looks like some kind of a wiggly thing/’ 
Dick answered. 

It does to be sure. That’s the constellation 
called Scorpio and is one of the twelve constella- 
tions of the zodiac.’’ 

By the way, what are them — those constel- 
ashnns — and when kin yon see ’em?” Dick 
queried. 

Before I answer that look at Scorpio again. 

Do yon see anything interesting about it? ” 

E^or a moment there was silence. Then : Yeh, 

dat big thoid star from the right looks red,” 

from Lnrrv. 

* ' 

Yon have it.” Sydney was amazed at the 
boy’s ])ower of observation. Getting back to 
your (piestion again, x4(piarins is seen high in 
the sun’s course during January; Pisces during 
lYbrnary ; Aries during March ; Taurus during 
A})ril ; Gemini during ^lay ; Cancer during June; 
and Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Saggitarius, and 
Capricornus resj)cctively during the remaining 
months of the year.” 

Taurus, Taurus,” reflected Larry. I re- 


36 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


iiieiiiber now tliat once I seen a man witR a dog 
linntin' a bull in a i)ictnre. The hull thing was 
made out of stars.” 

I once read/’’ volunteered Dick, about two 
dippers; a big one and a little one, and also 
about two l)ears.” 

You're thinking of the great dipper which is 
also known as Ursa ^lajor or Great Bear and 
the little dipper that is often called Ursa Minor 
(Lesser Bear),” Sydney explained. ^M^ook up 
there.” lie pointed to the northern skies. Do 
you see those seven big bright stars arranged in 
the form of a dipper? ” 

Yes,’’ marvelled both listeners, gee but it 
looks pretty.’’ 

Well, follow those two ^ Pointers ’ that make 
up the end of the hold of the dipper out into 
space. Do yon see that brilliant star that seems 
to be all alone? ” 

Yep.” 

That's Polaris, the Pole or North Star by 
Avhich mariners and travelers are able to tind 
their wav at night,” added Svd. That other 
little dipper there composed of six stars and 
which seems to hang by its handle or tail from 
the North Star is Ursa Minor about which 1 
spoke before. It seems, you will notice, to-be 


IN WHICH THE CONNERS SEE STARS. 37 


emptying into the Greater Bear. The smaller 
one is always chasing the larger one. Every 
twenty-fonr lionrs the two dippers swing in a 
circle around the Pole Star so that their posi- 
tions are more or less dependent upon the time of 
night or year. It’s fine to know the stars be- 
cause when yon do they seem to be friends of 
yonrs and yon neaidj^ always feel at home. 
There are several other familiar constella- 
tions.” 

Dick and Larry looked confusedly at each 
other. 

Gee,” Dick admitted with a sheepish grin, 

I had no idea that stars wnz so interestin’. 
I’m goin’ to loin more about ’em, yon kin betcher. 
Blit what’s that loose lookin’ bunch o’ stars, the 
other side of the North Star opposite the big 
dipper? ” 

They,” explained the talker, are the con- 
stellation of Cassiopeia and that other group 
above is Cephens. C’assiopeia has five stars and 
looks like an M ” or an inverted W.” Those 
other stars that wind their way between the 
(lipi)ers make np Draco, the dragon. All five — 
Ursa ^lajor, Ursa Minor, Draco, Cei)hens and 
Cassiopeia — are known as the circnni-})olar con- 
stellations and never disappear below the hori- 


38 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


zoii. Parts of them will, hut they themselves are 
always visible.” 

Tanks, very much,’’ the brothers spoke in an 
awe-stricken tone at the senior patrol leader's 
apparently broad knowledge of the heavenly 
bodies. 

‘M)on’t mention it,” he laughed. If ever 
von need any help in some matter, come right to 
me and I'll try mv best to relieve the difficulty. 

t. t. 

^^'ell, well,” — he looked at liis watch — I 
believe I'll have to be going. It's after nine and 
I'd like to get in a good night’s sleep before the 
long hike ahead of ns to-morrow. Good-night, 
fellows.” 

He sainted briskly and bolting through the 
gate, ran up the road without waiting for his 
salute to be acknowledged. 

Before going to bed that night the boys told 
their father that they would be gone for two days 
as they would probably be under way by the time 
he awoke next morning. 

That night how many sleepless lads lay pon- 
dering, engrossed in the thoughts of to-morrow I 
How many trails were laid, tires built, and expe- 
ditions undertaken in their imaginations. 


CHAPTER IV 


EN ROUTE 

o’clock the next iiioriiiiig found a group of 
healthy youngsters, unifornied and ecpiipped, 
standing iinpatieutly around troop headquarters ; 
Sydney and Shrimp among the rest. It was a 
warm, calm morning, clear withal and the rapidly 
rising sun gave indication of fair w^eather. The 
boys, despite the early hour, seemed discontented 
that the hike had not as yet begun. 

Hey, Syd,” yelled AVilliam Dare, troop radio 
operator, tinkering at the same time with the 
receivers of a portable field outfit, take Shrimp 
and find out what’s keeping Mr. Kavanagh — 
will you? ” The valise containing the small set 
was now strapped atop of the trek cart which 
Sydney had taken out of the cabin just that 
morning. 

^^i\Ir. Kavanagh, now,” exclaimed the boy ad- 
dressed. Mdiy, I don’t think he’s awake yet. 
We'll take the trip, though ; it won’t hurt us. 
Come on. Shrimp ! 


39 


40 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


Tliereiipon the two boys broke into an easy run 
in the direction of town and before long they 
were standing before a neat frame-house on Eoy- 
dit Avenue. Sydney pushed open the wooden 
gate, bolted up the front stairway and proceeded 
to give the bell a sound thumping. Shrimp, real- 
izing the improi)riety of such bold procedure, 
staved below. 

c. 

Almost simultaneously with the application of 
Syd's drastic measures a clamor arose as though 
the inmates strongly resented the disturbance. 
:\Irs. Kavanagh, with her husband's disheveled 
head j^opped over her shoulder, looked out of a 
window. 

Sydney Cameron,” she cried reproachfully, 
have V011 nothing better to do than cause such 
a disturbance at this time of the morning? Go 
down there and act respectably; like Shrimp! ” 

With that she drew in her head and the win- 
dow came down with a slam. 

Svd slinked back much after the manner of a 
puppy that has just had a sound drubbing and 
descended the stairs to lind the troop ‘^ comed- 
ian ” in convulsions of laughter. 

“ I knew it ! I knew it ! Oh, wait till you get 
back to high school, Mondav : vouTl get vour 
roasting,” shrieked Shrimp exultantly. 


EN ROUTE 


41 


Sydney caught him around the neck and tried 
to quiet him with a threatening dose of his fist. 

Come, now,’’ he coaxed, be serious eyen if 
it hurts you. Sit down here and we'll spend our 
yaluable time in a beneficial way — what’ll we 
do, Shrinii)?’’ 

The two took seats on the lower step. 

I haye a crackey idea,” exploded Shrimp yio- 
lently. Let’s go around to the }"ard and tie 
^Ir. Kayanagh’s dog to the barn door. He pays 
so much attention to it that he’ll neyer notice the 
change.” x\gain he required forceful silencing. 

Sydney eyidently didn’t relish the joke oyer- 
much. 

All kidding aside,” he earnestly pleaded, 
let’s get down to concrete facts.” 

Sure,” suggested Slirimi) sagaciously, your 
head.” 

Do you know any more jokes? ” 

Yes,” retorted Shrimp finally, but defiantl}^ 
and not without an element of sarcasm, ‘^youl ” 
That was too much, altogether. Sydney made 
a lunge for the offender and pinioned him be- 
tween himself and the banister. LTiider the cir- 
cumstances Shrimj) became serious and ex])ressed 
his willingness to hear something sensible ” 
from his pal if such a thing were possible. 


42 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


Lot’s see wliat the second class m|nirements 
are,’’ said -SA'd innsint»lv. “ Those Conner fel- 
lows will need a little coachim»- alon^- that line.” 
At the ominous Avord Conner,’’ Shrimp 
froAA’ned. Bnt Svd opened the Handbook that 
he took from his breast pocket after resting his 
staff and Shrimp’s on the banister. He read : 

Second Class Scout 

A tenderfoot scout may, upon passing the 
following tests to the satisfaction of the 
proper local scout authorities, be enrolled 
as a second class scout. He is then entitled 
to wear the second class badge of the Llov 
Scouts of America. 

1. At least one month’s seiwice as a ten- 
derfoot. 

2. Fllementaiw first aid and bandaging: 
kiiOAv the general directions for first aid for 
injuries ; knoAV treatment for fainting, shock, 
fractures, bruises, sprains, injuries in Avhich 
the skin is broken, burns and scalds; demon- 
strate hoAv to carry injured, the use of the 
triangular and roller bandages and tourni- 
quet. 

3. Fllementary signaling: knoAv the alpha- 
bet of the Sema])hore or the General Service 
(International Morse) Code. 

4. Tra(dv half a mile in tAventy-fiA^e min- 
utes; or, if in toAvii, describe satisfactorily 
the contents of one store Avindow out of four 
obseiwed for one miuute each. 


EN ROUTE 


43 


5. Go a mile in twelve minutes at sconUs 
pace — about fifty steins running and fifty 
walking, alternately. 

G. Use properly knife or hatchet. 

7. Prove ability to build a fire in the open, 

. using not more than two matches. 

8. Took a (piarter of a pound of meat and 
two ])otatoes in the open without any cook- 
ing utensils. 

!). Earn and deposit at least one dollar in 
a i)nblic bank. (Liberty Loan subscrii)tions 
and war savings certificates are acce})ted.) 

10. Know the sixteen principal points of 
the com])ass. 

By the way, Shrimp, what do yon think of 
the Conners'? ” said Syd, abruptly changing the 
topic of conversation. 

Shrimp turned up his nose contemptnonsly. 
Xot much,” exclaimed he to Sydney^s mortifi- 
cation. A couple of yokels I ’’ 

But, Shrimp, yon can't mean that,” reasoned 
the senior patrol leader. It's true, they haven't 
been brought up in as refined an environment as 
yours, but that doesn't ini])ly thnt they aren't 
good fellows. I’m surprised to find yon acting 
so high-toned,” he blustered indignantly. I 
have never known you to act that way before.’’ 
Nothing more was said. The words of the 
Pine-tree patrol leader had thrown him into a 
perj)lexed state of mind such as he had seldom 


44 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


known before. Here," Sydney told himself, 
is a chance to do a piece of real scout work.” 
He and Shrimp had been friends for a number 
of years, but he had always known him to be of a 
kind, considerate, forbearing’ nature. Shrimp 
was of wealthy parentage, his father owning half 
of CTayyille, and the boy had eyerything'^ that his 
heart desired. AVhy such a boy shonld without 

c t. 

yalid reason turn to dislike other boys simply 
because they were perha])S a tritle uncouth and 
not as elaborately trained and carefully reared 
as he, wUs somewhat of a mystery to Syd. Noth- 

7 t t. ♦. 

iiig loth, he promised himself to bring the boy 
around. 

Ileighdio, boys,” greeted a cheerful yoke and 
Mr. Kayanagh came bounding down the stairs. 
^M.eUs go; iUs just half-past seyen now and I 
can about imagine the looks on the faces of the 
fellows who are waiting at the cabin.” 

Without another word the three sauntered off 
in the direction of Clayyille Groye. The sayory 
essence of the morning air wafted in their faces 
and they eagerly drank it in. 

At the pinnacle of a i)ine-crested hill they 
l)aused to reconnoiter. Mr. Kayanagh climbed 
into a tree and peered carefull}’ about. I see 
the scouts now,” he said, they're yery restless 


EN ROUTE 


15 


and appear about ready to leave without us. We 
liad better liurry.” 

The scoutmaster descended with a leap and set 
a pace that made the scouts’ mouths open with 
surprise. 

Well,” S}^d confessed when they were out 
of their leader’s hearing, he still lias some life 
in him. You know, he was the star cross-country 
man at Branding College in his time.” Shrimp 
nodded his unqualified assent. 

When the boys looked up they found that they 
were already" hard upon the cabin and that any 
forward movement on their jiart would make 
matters look as though they were anxious to jmsh 
it over. 

Have a heart,” protested Shrimp, don’t 
add insult to miserv — are the rest of the Pine- 
tree bovs here? ” 

Seven hands went uj). 

]Mr. Kavanagh spontaneously a])plauded. 

That's fine,'’ he glowed. That’s speaking 
well for Pine-tree patrol. I’ll have to take a 
note of that and put it down on the records.'’ 

Shrimp threw a menacing glance at Syd, but 
he was apparently busy readjusting the straps of 
his blanket roll. 

Ha, ha, ye-e-e-ow l” 


46 


SCOUT OF TFIE GOLDEN CROSS 


The scoutmaster^ liorrified, wheeled about to 
ascertain the cause of the uiilieralded outburst of 
mirth and, satisfviim' liis curiosity, chimed in 
with tlie rest. 

Tlie din Avas the direct result of the hiking 
d(d)ut ’’ of the ronner boys; not so much them- 
selves, but Avhat they liad with them. There they 
stood in their traditional shiftless i)Osture, with 
benign aspects surmounted by stee])lechase grins. 
Their gray jerseys, dusty caps, long corduroy 
trousers, sneakers, bed-qnilts, and schoolbags had 
provoked the impetus of laughter. This consti- 
tuted their e(iuipment.’’ 

AVell,'’ dared the critical scoutmaster with a 
suppressed cough, you look heeled and ready 
at any rate. I>ut we caiiT leave until nn^ assist- 
ant and Patrol Leader Peid show nj).” 

There they come,” sna})])ed little Willard 
Franklin. They’re doAvn there at the- brook.” 
And to be sure they did come. Howard Reid, 
the “ fat boy ” of the troo]), had acquired for 
himself the monicker of Rlnnders ” : so called 
because of his certainty to prove a nuisance 
wherever he turned ip). He Avaddled uj), a pic- 
ture of complaisance with ]Mr. Mars at his side. 
I think we’re all here now,’’ said the scout- 


EN ROUTE 


47 


master. The Pine-tree boys and the Eagles 
will take the trek cart for the first shift; the 
P>ears and Panthers, for the second. Squads 
will make shifts every half mile at niv command. 

t. C. 

Detached i)atrols will march at the side in twos. 
Forward, march I ’’ 

In the haste of preparing for departure the two 
Conners’ or, Dick and Larry, as we shall hence- 
forth call them, were forgotten. Nothing 
daunted, they walked alongside, occasionally 
ducking in and taking hold of the ropes as though 
desirous of helping. 

^Ir. Kavanagh and the senior patrol leader, 
Avho were following behind, saw and understood. 
Sydney turned to his superior. Pardon me, 
sir,” he suggested, those two neAV scouts seem 
to want to hel]) do their share at. the ropes. Isn’t 
there a way of getting them at the job? ” 

There surely is,” rejoined Mr. Kavanagh. 

Shrimp, come here.” 

Pine-tree patrol was at that time doing its 
trick with the cart. Shrimp came up puffing and 
perspired. 

^^Yon called me, Mr. Kavanagh?” 

^^Yes,” answered the scoutmaster, ^mu will 
need some fresh hands. Put Dick and Larry on 


18 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


witli youT squad. Your boys, for a full i)atrol 
aren't doing as \yell as they ought to. Tliey 
might put a little more spirit into the job.'’ 
Shrimp flinched and stammered an nnintelli- 
gihle excuse. Were the hoys whom ho was about 
ready to hate, to he placed with him at work? 
The humiliation seemed nnhearahle, but there 
was 'no alternatiye excei)t doing as the scoutmas- 
ter had ordered. For the word of the scout- 
master is law. 

h Come on,” he grumbled angrily at the two 
boys, get to it and giye ns a lift.” 

Both made a flying scramble for the ropes and 
before they could secure a fixed hold, had almost 
succeeded in causing a calamity. 

Hey, hey," sputtered the Pine-tree patrol 
leader, ^Syhat ye trying to do, wreck the trip? 
That old bns is crammed to the teeth with all 
the shelter tents, i)royisions, and other jnnk her 
two wheels will hold! ” 

“ That will (io. Shrimp,'’ interrupted ^fr. Kay- 
anagh. If there is any rei)rinianding neces- 
sary, I’m here.’’ 

Shrimp colored and looked at Syd who was 
standing at the side with the two patrols not 
working. He was toying neryonsly with the first 
(dass badge on his hat, examining its eyery detail 


EN ROUTE 


49 


minutely, and affected not to hear. Receiving 
no encouragement from that quarter, Shrimp 
looked vacantly around and betook himself to 
the cart. 


I 


CHAPTER V 


SITRIMr TRIi:8 THE WATER CURE 

1^0 ME time of weary, rougli travel liad passed 
and the boys, footsore and <»rimy under the 
relentless rays of the hot snn, lon<;ed for a halt. 
All at once Charles ^larken, one of the Bears, 
fell over unconscions — a victim of snnstroke. 
Sydney ran np to where he lay. His skin was 
hot and dry, face red and pnpils dilated. 

What can we do,^’ Svdnev called to the scout- 
master, we have no more water? Shall we make 
a stretcher and carry him until we reach a 
stream? There must be one aloim here within 
a few seconds’ walk.” 

No, there's a lonely water ping that 1 can 
see down the road a piece,” said Mr. Kavanagh. 

AVe'll stop there, attend to the young gentle- 
man, replenish our canteens, and change squads 
for the next half mile.” 

That last suggestion infused the scouts with 
a new si)urt of energy. MTth a jolt the cart 
rolled down the road at a rate of speed hitherto 
unknown that day. 


50 


SHRIMP TRIES THE WATER CURE 51 


Syd eaiiglit up liis unconscious burden with 
the tiremaii's lift/’ Tliat is, he rolled the pa- 
tient over until he was lying flat on his stomach. 
Then catching him under the arms he lifted him 
to his knees. In this position the senior patrol 
leader got under him, holding him up with his 
shoulder. Sydney put his right arm between 
the boy’s legs causing the limp form to fall over 
his right shoulder. Now joining his right hand 
with that of the patient he got to his feet from 
a kneeling position and carried him off. 

Eventually the water-plug was reached. Syd 
laid the boy on the grass at the roadside, loosened 
his clothing, and bathed his head, face, chest, 
and armpits with the cool liquid. The boy grad- 
ually came around and gasi)ed. He liad regained 
consciousness. A cup of water was offered him 
and he drank it eagerly. Able to sit up, he 
started joking with his comrades while he ad- 
justed his clothing. 

Tliereui)on the scouts tilled their canteens, got 
their drinking cups out, and dropped on the 
grassy roadside to enjoy the short rest. Not 
more than a miln away loomed up the moun- 
tains. 

Syd was standing near the plug when Dick 
accosted him. 


52 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


Oh, Sydney,” the boy said, I looked into 
the Handbook while yon wnz treatin’ that Mar- 
ken feller an’ right close together with sunstroke 
I found somethin’ about heat exhaustion — 
what^s that? ’’ 

Yes, I understand yon,” the senior patrol 
leader responded. People are veiy likely to 
get the two things confused. Yon see, heat ex- 


hanstion is collapse due to extraordinary heat — 
not always the sun’s. The skin is pale and 
claninn^ with perspiration and the person is weak 
blit nnconscionsness is not always complete. In 
sunstroke the pulse is full as usual but slow. 
In the other it is weak. You should remove the 
victim to a cool place where he can have plenty 
of air and give him cool water to sip. Do not 
use any cold applications externally, however. 
Give him a stimulant when he’s all right — un- 
derstand? ” 

I getcha, but what do you mean by uncon- 
sciousness? ” 

Unconsciousness comes in with shock, faint- 
ing, heat exhaustion, suffocation, sunstroke and 
poisoning. A stimulant is given for shock, faint- 
ing, and heat exhaustion, but not for any of 
the others.' F^or all forms of suffocation like 
gas, drowning, etc., you employ artificial respi- 


SHRIMP TRIES THE WATER CURE 53 


ration. If it should be poisoning you must give 
the patient an emetic, forcing him to vomit. 
Some very good tilings to accomplish this are 
mustard and water, salt Avater, or even plain 
lukewarm water as much as he can stand. A 
messenger should always, Avhen possible, be told 
the nature of the ])oison so that he may inform 
the doctor projierly and help decide the correct 
antidote.’’ 

Say, S}al, we got a little time yet. Wouldja 
please tell me how to do all de stuff fer de differ- 
ent sicknesses von mentioned about unconscious- 
ness. Tell me more about it; I like it,” persisted 
the bov. 

Sydney seemed pleased at his anxiety to learn. 

Sure,” he answered. You see a person faints 
from lack of air. The face is pale and sweaty 
as in heat exhaustion, and there is no mnscnlar 
control. Lay the patient with his head lower 
than the rest of the body to cause the blood to 
tiow back to the head. Loosen clothing and 
dash water over head and chest. AYhen the per- 
son regains consciousness, give a stimulant.” 

An’ what’s dat?” demanded the would-be 
first-aider. 

A stimulant,” Sydney explained, is some- 
thing that will temporarily hasten the activities 


54 > 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


in the body. Hot, blac'k coffee, or a half-tea- 
spoonfnl of aromatic spirits of ammonia in a 
(1 liar ter-gi ass of Avater Avill do the trick. Shock 
Avliich is so often mistaken for fainting is directly 
due to contact Avith an electric AAire or to strong 
emotion (joy, fear, despair, surprise). Cover 
the patient to keep him Avarin, and rub arms and 
legs in direction of the heart, after laying the 
person as in the other case. Give a stimulant 
Avhen the patient is able to swalloAV. 

‘‘ With this I suppose yon could handle electric 
accidents verv nicelv. A scout should alwavs 
stand guard OA^er a loose-hanging Avire as some- 
where in its course it might touch a live one. 
To short circuit a current a metal bar should 
be dropped across the Avire on the side betAveen 
the Avire and the person. Frequently this will 
be sufficient to release the jierson’s gras]) on the 
Avire. A heavy charge of elect ricit}^ Avhen not 
grasped, but merely touched, Avill often tend to 
throAV a jierson away. To release any one Avho 
has taken hold of a Avire, stand on some insulat- 
ing material — dry paper, cloth or rubber, or 
anything that Avill not conduct electricity — 
cover your hands Avith his clothing, and tear him 
free Avith a jerk! Then give artificial respira- 
tion. Tit, alAvays, to locate leaks or open gas 


SHRIMP TRIES THE WATER CURE 55 


jets and set everything right, bnt don’t go hunt- 
ing for the leak with a lighted match.” 

Sydney smiled as he at length ended his little 
lecture and Dick thanked him heartily as he 
walked away. 

Away from the remainder of the boys, the two 
novices sat side b}’ side conversing in low tones. 

Gee,” whispered Larry, that fellow Shrimi^ 
is some groncli.” 

Kight I ” agreed his brother, sinking his teeth 
into a sandwicli. 

Beside the pump stood a boy with bnt one 
thought : that of revenge. He had been in his 
own mind miserably ill-treated and was deter- 
mined to have satisfaction at all costs. He ac- 
cordingly stole up behind the Conners’ with his 
face buried in a cup of water and when the 
opportune moment came, introduced the liquid 
into* the shirt-collars of both boys. 

To begin with, the recipients of the unlooked 
for shower dropped their cups and stared at 
each otlier in blank amazement. Then as the 
water slowly made its way to other regions they 
squirmed most uncomfortably and began to mut- 
ter some very coars,e and volul)le expressions. 

Mr. Kavanagh had seen the act, but was too 
late to prevent it. 


56 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 



The cart was soon righted again, and the column moved on. 


Shrimp,” lie stormed, take ten demerits for 
that ! Another such offense and yon lose yonr 
patrol leader’s bars.” 

For the remainder of the time there was no 
activity. The lioys, liaving rested, rose and 



SHRIMP TRIES THE WATER CURE 57 


busied themselves in preparation for tlie contiii- 
natioii of the trijn 

All right, boys,’’ the scoutmaster called 
eveiitnally, change s(inads and we’ll be off 
again.” 

The Hears and Panthers walked reluctantly np 
to the cart.. As Patrol Leader Heid advanced he 
became mysteriously entangled in the ropes. 
The cart capsized, strewing all the scouts’ earthly 
l>ros])ects of an evening meal over the road. 

Oh — yon I ” the scoutmaster shouted. The 
boys were speechless. ’ 

All hands to,” called the scoutmaster, find- 
ing his voice again. Get that stuff together 
and be quick about it if yon nurse any expecta- 
tions of eating, to-day I ” 

How those boys went to it ! They could not 
possibly have moved faster if a taskmaster were 
standing over them with a whip. The cart was 
soon righted again, loaded, and the column moved 
on. That is, naturall3% after Hlunders succeeded 
in extricating himself from the rope entangle- 
ment. 


CHAPTER VI 


THE BOYS LEAKN THINGS 
S the sun rose high in the heavens they 


emerged upon a flat clearing in the proxim- 
ity of a swift, wide moniitain stream. The large, 
rough boulders that were distributed so artis- 
tically formed a treacherous looking rapids. 
Tlie scoutmaster gave the word to halt and the 
boys presently scpiatted about with the purpose 
of devouring their lunches. 

Heigh-ho,” ejaculated Mr. Kavanagh as he 
hung his pack on the branch of a tree, it’s just 
as I surmised; exactly twelve and we’re eating. 
That will afford ns ample time to prej^are for 
the work ahead and whi]) tilings into shape. I 
thought we’d make it in about four hours.” 
Then, following the example set by the scouts, 
he buried his face in a sandwich. 

It was a unique picture, these young gentle- 
men thus engaged in the great P"letcher ” pas- 
time. There is one jioiiit jiredominant every- 
where : there are no failing appetites. Sitting 



58 


THE BOYS LEARN THINGS 


59 


about on the ,aTonml, they bear a terrifying re- 
semblance to a band of cannibals partaking of a 
diabolical feast. Frequently in some part of 
the group a row commences which threatens to 
develop into a free-for-all. But it is stopped al- 
most immediately by the short interposition of 
the scontmaster. 

At last the meal was over, the rubbish dis- 
posed of in an incinerator and the boys flocked 
about their leader for instructions. 

Here, attention to orders/’ he yelled, the 
Pine-trees will get wood; the Eagles will supply 
water with the buckets; and the Bears and Pan- 
thers will remain here and erect camp in the 
absence of the other patrols. Dick and Larry 
will work temporarily with the Pine-tree patrol. 
Break ranks I ’ ’ 

The line broke apart and the several squads 
went about the execution of their respective 
duties. 

Shrimp procured his first aid kit and a pair of 
axes for the Conners, as the other scouts carried 
their own. 

Dick looked at him qneerly as he slnng the kit 
across his shoulders. 

That’s all right,” Shrimp said as though he 
comprehended perfectly the meaning of the 


60 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


smile ; you never can tell wliat's a])t to happen. 
Yon know, the three directions for tirst aid for 
injuries are: 

1. Keep cool ; 

2. Send for a doctor; 

d. Proceed with first aid. 

TTnless vou're heeled and ready you can’t do the 

third thiiu*’ very easily.” 

# # 

Tui*nin.i>; briskly on his heel, he led his patrol 
off on a side trail and walked nearly a quarter 
of a mile through country that Avas evidently 
familiar to him to a little forest of ])oplars. 

These,’’ he explained, make fine lire Avood.” 

Dick had Avalked all the waA^ SAvinging his 
hatchet recklessly about. As Avas to be expected, 
the patrol leader scrutinized him seAmrely Avith 
an air of disapproval. 

Don’t do that,” he AAmrned, a good scout 
or Avoodsman is ahvays distinguished 1)A' the care 
Avitli Avhich he handles Ids ax and knife. Tliey 
are side-])artners in the big out-doors and he 
should use them Avith discretion. F^or if he 
sliould not, they Avill often ]>roA^e dangerous. 
AVlieii journeying keep the ax in a strong sheath 
(Avlierever ])Ossible). If tlie ax is carried on 
the shoulder tlie blade should ])oiut outAvards. 
LikeAvise, never clio]) ])ine or hemlock knots Avith 


THE BOYS LEARN THINGS 


61 


a sharp ax. When using the knife, whittle 
away from yon ; don't use or drive a knife into a 
piece of Avood l)v liainmering on tlie hack of it; 
and don't use the handle as a hammer. Beware 
of wood with nails in it; keep blades clean; don't 
use the blade as a screw driver or to pry things 
open Avith. NeA^r carry an open knife in your 
hand ; keep knife uaa aj^ from damp places ; knoAV 
hoAV to sharpen the blades properly. Now yon 
felloAVS get busy and bring in all the dry, dead 
branches von can lav your hands on. Don’t 
bother Avith live, sappy stuff because it won’t 
burn and isn’t Avorth tlie trouble of collecting.” 

Thereni)on tlie boys strolled leisurely about 
rnmmaging in the brush for fuel. Dick caught 
up a heaA^y piece of dead Avood, rested it against 
a tree, and commenced hacking it rnthlesslv. 

8hrimp emitted a guttural exclamation of dis- 
gust. Bnnning OA^er, he snatched the brand from 
the startled felloAV. 

What’re yon trying to do, ^ 8knple,’ kill your- 
self'? That's no Avay to chop a piece of Avood 
in t\A’o; let me shoAv you.” He rested the Avood 
on a dead log. See,” he said, make things 
comfortable for yourself.” With that he began 
cutting a Y-shaped notch in the Avood at the 
point Avhere it touched the log. As he gradually 


62 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


came tliroiii»li to the bottom of it lie diminished 
the strength of the blows. Eventually the Avood 
came apart. 

Noav there you are/’ he SAvelled triumphantly, 
the trick is done AA ell and (piickly. You can 
also do it by turning it from time to time as you 
chop, thereby cutting Y notches all around the 
piece. Either Avay is good. Now get busy, 
Larry, go over there and chop that thin dead 
tree doAvn. We may be able to use it for some 
purpose or other Avhen Ave get back to camp.” 
Larry walked over to the tree and literally 
danced a Avar-dance around it, taking a smash 
at it everv noAv and then. 

WoAV I ” Shrimp made a flying leap for him. 
Why Avas I born to suffer so, ye gods on high 
Olympus I Gimme that ax I ” 

Pulling the one from its sheath at his own belt, 
he began cutting a notch on one side of the tree, 
a little above the roots. FTrst he took a doAvn- 
Avard stroke and then one at right-angles Avith 
the trunk. The result of course was an angular 
chip cut out. He kept this up until he Avas 
a little more than half Avay through the trunk. 
Then, changing his position, he began cutting 
an identical one on the other side. Just as the 
trunk Avas cracking Shrimp moved out of the 


THE BOYS LEARN THINGS 


63 


Avav and the tree, kicddn^ suddenly Backwards, 
measured its length on the ground with a loud 
thud and a rustle of dead leaves. 

See,’’ he observed philosophically, it's poor 
policy to stand behind a tree while it falls, for the 
simple reason that you have now seen. I have 
shown you the correct method of procedure. 
Y^ou have noticed that the tree fell on the side 
with the lower notch. But never attempt to fell 
a tree against the Avind. Use your powers of 
discrimination. Cut the lower notch on the side 
of the tree opposite the Avind. I assume that 
^ trimming ’ is as Avell knoAvn to you as Greek, 
so I’ll shoAV you that process, too.” 

Moving along the trunU he lopped off the 
branches neatly Avith slanting bloAvs in the direc- 
tion of the trunk and — 


For Heaven’s sake, Shrimp I ” 

With a yell Fred McKeeA^er, one of the scouts, 
trembling, dropped his bloody ax and caught 
his Avrist from Avhich a dark steady stream Avas 
gushing. He had missed the Avood that he Avas 
trying to chop and landed the blade across his 
wrist. A vein lying near the surface Avas cut. 

Shrimp came up on the run and opened the 
kit. Ill a moment he slipped a ready tourniquet 
around the wrist Avith the contact for pressure 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


Gi 


directly below the cut, which proved, fortunately, 
not a very large one but, notwithstanding, fairly 
dangerous on account of infection. He tied the 
two enus of tlie tourni(juet together and, insert- 
ing a stick, started to turn. At once the Row of 
blood was stanched. 

I guess I'll have to clean that cut out,'’ 
Shrimp contided to the anxious onlookers; keep 
ii stiff upper lip, Fred; it isn't very serious. The 
vein is only slightly punctured,” he said, exam- 
ining the wound more minutely. So saying he 
soaked a cotton Avad with iodine and applied it 
to tlie cut. 


Fb'ed wliistled; and Avell he might, for aax^ all 
liaAX been more or less familiar Avith that ethereal 
sensation at some time or other in the course of 
our liAXS. 

Shrimp then laid tAvo pieces of court plaster 
along the sides of the cut. Inserting a AAad of 
absorbent cotton steeped in carbolic acid be- 
tAveeii, he seAved the two })ieces of plaster across 
the stitches. 

Aren't yon going to bandage it, old top? ” 
put in Gordon Breton, the troop bugler. 

Don't need to,” Avas Shrimp's 
joinder. 


concise re- 


THE BOYS LEARN THINGS 


65 


Why (lid you do all dat stuff? asked Larrv 
iniioceiith'. 

I had to treat for injuries in which the skin 
is broken,” Shrimp virtually bellowed. There 
are two kinds : surface cuts and punctures. The 
latter is more dan<»erous because of the greater 
j)ossibility of infection; but the treatment is the 
same in both cases. First von clean out the 
wound with a strong germicide (iodine or car- 
bolic acid). Then do as I did. Should it be 
a more serious hurt you'd apply gauze dressing 
and bandage over it. Hecause it was a vein, I 
])ut the tourni(|uet below the cut. If it Avere an 
artery I Avould have put it above.” 

How d'ye bandage, I don't get t/n/f,” in- 
terrui)ted Dick Avith ])articular emphasis. 

Use tlie roller bandage. Make a few turns 
for an ^ anchorage ’ at the loAver joint of the limb 
or section of limb to be bandaged and then con- 
tinue turning the bandage so that each turn coa^- 
ers about tAvo-thirds of the turn beneath it. 
Don't bandage too tightly or loosel}^ and alloAV 
for probable SAA’elling. Hold the roll of the 
bandage up and bring it gently around the part 
to be handled.” 

What's the S})iral reA^rse? continued Larry 


66 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


timidly, fearing’ tJiat lie was perhaps asking too 
many questions. 

Yon follow the same principle,” responded 
Shrimp, but yon bend the bandage over each 
time von turn.” 

Please, Shrimp, what’s de triangular bandage 
used for? ’’ added the interrogator, emboldened 
by the ready ansAver. 

Yon don’t knoAv much, do jmn? ” the patrol 
leader exclaimed with affected exhaustion. 

Put I might as Avell tell yon and put 3^onr mind 
at rest. It’s used for coAxn-ing broad surfaces 
of the body and for bandaging the head, eyes, 
ears, feet, or hands as the condition may require. 
Now, all of you get busy and keep busy until you 
hear my Avhistle for assembly and the trip back 
to camp.” 

Dick and Larry scampered off Avith the rest 
and Avhen the ai)pointed signal (a succession of 
short, sharp blasts) sounded, returned loaded to 
the chin. 

During the Avalk back to camp Dick and Larry 
avoided Shriinji Avhile keeping close to Gordon 
Breton. 

Say, Breton, what’s the Avhistle signals? ” 
inquired Larry. I knoAV they’re very iiiipor- 


THE BOYS LEARN THINGS 


67 


taut, but I ain’t aii}’ too pucked-iip about askin’ 
Shrimp. I just daren’t do it ! ” 

Gordon cliucdvled, Oh, don’t take anything 
he says or does to heart. He can be very dis- 
agreeable without his being aware of it. He’s so 
stuck up at times that the fellows wonder 
whether he’s ^ all there ’ — but that isn’t just 
what you asked me. Y"es, whistles are very help- 
ful to scouts for organization purposes and for 
common action. One long blast means ^ atten- 
tion/ ^ silence ’ or ‘ wait for my next signal.’ 
Two short blasts indicate that all is Ayell : ^ all 
right.’ A number of long slow blasts is a com- 
mand to ^ go out/ ^ get farther away,’ ^ advance/ 
^ extend/ ^ scatter.’ The one you heard Shrimp 
sound was ^ rally,’ ^ assemble,’ ‘ come together ’ 
or ^ close in.’ Three short blasts followed by a 
long one is usuall}^ a call from the scoutmaster 
for patrol leaders only : ^ leaders come here.’ 
Three long blasts means ^ danger,’ ‘ alarm,’ ‘ look 


out.’ 

Icon’ll find when you study trailing and sig- 
naling more in detail that three of anything de- 
notes trouble. A succession of alternating short 
and long blasts means ‘ mess ’ or ^ grub,’ as Ave 
call it. These signals are applicable for scout 


68 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


work and should be obeyed instantly, no matter 
wliat you may be doing- at the time — satisfied? ” 
Gordon smiled graciously. 

Sure, gee, thanks,” Larry admitted as Dick 
also inclined his head by wav of assent. Dat 


takes a load otfen my mind.” 

They had traversed the distance and arrived 
to find the shelters neatl}^ put up and ditched, 
and everything and everybody waiting for 
them. 


Get to vour tents,” commanded the scout- 
master through the hollow of his hands, and 
prei)are for ins])ection. Dick and Larry will 
occupy the shelter nearest the mess fiy.’’ 

The boys scurried away as quickly as they 
could go, hauling their equipment along with 
them. Here they unrolled their blankets and 
arranged them neatly on the pile of leaves and 
l)ine boughs which had been thrown into each of 
the shelter tents, placing all extra luggage at the 
head. Then they tlireAv o])en the tlaps, charged 
outside, and lined up, two in front of a tent. 

Break ranks I ■ ’ 


Now watch me carefully,” he began, and ITl 
show you how to make a cooking fire. The most 
usual is that built in the ground.’’ 

With that he pointed to a hole that had already 


TFIE BOYS LEARN THINGS 


69 


1)0011 dug. It was about oigiitoon iiichos wido. 
Tlioro Avas a gradual iiicliiio on tlio side AAutli tlio 
AAUiid. TliiSj ho ox})laiiiod aoconiitod for a rog- 
iilar draught up tlirougli tho AA'ood and oonse- 
quontly, a roaring firo. 

Kouioiiibor,” lio roiiiarkod, alAAuiys knoAV in 
AAdiioh diroctioii tlio Aviiid is l)loAAuiig and make 
Amur iucline aooordinglA'.” Turning to tlio side, 
ho took some \mry dry \Amod shaAdngs and 
crumpled loaAms that ho had since pro})arod and 
built a conical shaped pile at tho bottom of tlie 
Iiolo, taking care at tho same time not to sipiooze 
it together too much and so iirevent the circula- 
tion of air that must needs }>ass through it. 
Then he added some axuw thin twigs, laving them 
carefiilh" against the tinder in the form of a 
pyramid, and leaving a foAv spaces here and there 
to api)ly the match. 

You Avill notice/' the scoutmaster said, point- 
ing to the ground, that I have a supply of Avood 
ready. First a supply of thin twigs, then a 
number of piles of faggots of graduated sizes, 
and finally a large pile of lieaAy Avood. AhA’ays 
feed fuel carefully and not too fast as 3'0ii might 
smother the tire, and Avork up from light, thin 
faggots to those a trifle heaAuer and so on. Now 
for the lighting: Amu are alloAved onlv tAvo 

O O t/' ^ 


70 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


matclies, but you find that the}" are more than 
enough if used thoughtfully.’’ 

He took off his hat and got down on all fours 
— back against the wind — placing his hat be- 
tween his knees to prevent the air, passing 
through, from blowing out the match. He then 
struck a match and (piickly but carefully applied 
it to the tinder at several points. At first only 
a red glow crowned his efforts, but a few easy 
fans from the hat held near the bottom of the 
heap and the fiames leaped upwards, devouring 
the twigs. With great pains he added larger 
pieces and in a few minutes a roaring, boil-fire 
was the result. 

During all this the bovs had been verv atten- 
tive and iMr. Kavanagh’s every move seemed to 
bear a certain significance for them. Dick and 
Larry particularlj^ had enjoyed it and now stood 
apart from the others reviewing the various steps 
on their fingers. 

Are there any questions concerning the fire 
building test that any of you would like to ask? 
If so, speak right out.’’ 

Mr. Kavanagh,” ventured Larry, can’t you 
build dat kind of cookin’ fire between two green 
logs layin’ with the wind, ’r in a soicle o’ stones 
wit de wind-side open? ” 


THE BOYS LEARN THINGS 


71 


Sure, you boob,” volunteered liis older 
brother, tapping him smarth' on the head, dat’s 
done especially where you’re on sandy soil an’ 
a liole won’t ^ staj^-put ’ — ain’t dat right, boss? ’’ 
The lad turned on the scoutmaster with his 
freckled visage thrust forward. 

^Ir. Kavanagh condescended with a benign 
smile. 

Certainly, Dick has the correct idea.’’ 

Dick had spoken little to any of the boys 
throughout the day. While looking casually 
about he chanced to spy Shrimp staring stead- 
fastly at him with an expression far from fos- 
tering pleasantry. The boy stood still in wonder 
at the Pine-tree patrol leader’s brazen scrutiny 
and the Irish ” in him began readily to rise. 

Watcha lookin’ at me dat wav for? ” he 
snapped, clenching his fists and assuming the 
attitude that is so unmistakablv one of a dial- 
lenge. He advanced slowly. 

Slirimj) colored and his aspect changed with 
marvelous rapidity. No oftense meant, Dick,” 
he stammered, stepping backwards. In his hesi- 
tation to accept the challenge he himself had 
incited, he betrayed the streak of yellow. Syd- 
ney leaped forward to prevent a possibl-e col- 
lision, but to his keen surprise Dick only opened 


72 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


liis fists and offered Shrimp his right liand. 

Mit me, kid,” lie said with a sheepish grin 
on Ids face, I f ergot ineself.” 

Slirini]) under ordinary circnmstances Avonld 
nndonbtedly not liave accepted tlie hand, hnt the 
eve of the scoutmaster was on him, so lie took it 
with a cold Ahem ! ” 

To the amnsement of all jiresent, both the 
Conner boAS turned np their collars and pre- 
tended to shiver at the icA" acknoAvledgnient. 

e o 


There, there, noAV,” said the scoutmaster, giA^- 
ing each of them an enconraging slap on the 
back, Ave Avant no differences among members 
of this troo})/’ 

Although Shrimp had shaken Dick’s hand, 
Sydney kneAV by his countenance Iioav little the 
Avords of his leader had aff'ected him. 

This little matter having lieen adjusted, AveTl 
put out the fire and do some Avork Avith fiags,” 
intimated the scontmaster. He took np some soil 
in his hands and threAV it on the fire. 

Dear in mind,” he said, a fire is not out 
until the last sjiark is extinguished. This is the 
surest method of juitting it out. The soil 
smothers the fire by preventing the oxygen in the 
air from getting at it. Never leaA^e a fire that 
you presume to be out. Be sure of it! A fire 


THE BOYS LEARN THINGS 


73 


left smoldering will often burst into flame again 
with a rising wind. Y"on may have a rest now 
before Ave go to the next phase of Avork. It's 
tAvo noAV, so I’ll giA^e yon until three.’’ 

The scouts broke nj) into little groups that 
either stood about chatting or wandered off on 
short expeditions. Dick, Larry, Gordon, and 
Stei)hen Eandall, assistant patrol leader of the 
Eagles, disposed of their time after the latter 
fashion. 

Oh, look,” shouted Gordon as they reached a 
stretch of forest, a stone’s throAv from camp, 
this is the trail Ave followed the last time Ave 
Avere np here.” He pointed to a blaze or piece 
of inner bark laid bare on a tree bv a glancing 
bloAv of a hatchet. Look,” he shouted enthus- 
iastically, here is the arroAv on the ground, the 
OAxn-tnrned stone, the flat rock turned upright, 
the tuft of grass tied around the stick thrust into 
the ground, the broken stalk, a ^ line blaze.’ ” He 
paused breathlessly for a moment before a tree 
directh^ in front of him on Avhich Avas a blaze 
Avith an arroAV pointing to the right : That 

means change of direction,” he reflected. Turn 
to the right I ” 

Stop, stoj),” called SteA^e from the rear of the 
file — Dick and Larry had follow^ed the active 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


Gordon in a state of snLinissive l)ewilderment. 

We’re going too far from camp. Let’s sit 
down a wliile.” 

Tlierenpon the four boys squatted on the 
ground. 

How didja know how to follow dose signs? ’’ 
inquired Dick. 

'' In trailing/’ Gordon responded, you always 
follow things that look unnatural ; you heard me 
call out something as we passed them in a hurry 
— didn’t you? 

“ Yes.’’ 

Well, then,” he continued, when you reach 
one sign or blaze look about ^murself carefully 
for the next one, Avliich a good scout will always 
leave not more than live paces hence.” 

You can follow animals dat way too — can’t 
von?” asked Larrv. 

“ Y-v-yes,” Gordon obliged with some hesita- 
tion, but there you have to be decidedly care- 
ful and determine the variety and species of the 
animal you are following by its location with 
respect to country and part of country. I have 
known tenderfeet who followed lions’ tracks in 
these mountains,” he said with disgust much to 
the diversion of the others. If a track is fresh,” 
Gordon continued, it shows that the animal 


THE BOYS LEARN THINGS 


75 


lias been there only recent! v and that if yon 

C'' 

follow the trail diligently yon will eyentnally 
catch np with the animal. Some animals like the 
hare, jack-rabbit, and fox are yery cleyer; when 
they find that they are being pursued they will 
leap ahead, jump to the side, climb trees, or 
eyen swim to a far-distant point to throw the 
follower off the trail.” 

Steye who had walked off a little way whistled 
and threw a handful of soil into the air. 

He has fonnd something,” exclaimed Gordon, 
correctly interpreting the sign, lie s])rang up 
and ran oyer to him, followed by the Conner 
brothers, AYhat is it, Steye? ” 

Steye held nj^ a peculiarly shaped piece of 
flint. It’s an arrow-head, a genuine honest- 
in jun arrow-head,” he cried yehementh^ 

Fine,” Gordon remarked with the air of a 
connoisseur as he handed it back to its finder, 
that will be a welcome addition to the relic 
department of our troop mnsenm.” 

Are there hand signs, too, to be learned wit 
trailing? ” Dick inquired. 

Y^es,” Steye answered nonchalantly, but 
don’t let them bother yon. There aren’t so many 
of them — would yon like me to tell you what 
they are? ” 


76 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


Yea, if it ain't askin' too inncli," put in Larry 
to his brother's einbarrassment. 

^‘Yon see, holding np a clenched fist means 
^ more ’ or ^ faster.’ Holding the hands ont, palms 
down, and moving them up and down, means ^ lie 
down ’ or ^ dismount.’ Waving the hand above 
the head means ^ go back.’ Holding the hand np, 
])alm front, is the sign to ^ halt.’ If yon want to 
know what another sees yon accpiaint him with 
the ])roper (piestion by holding np the hand at e^^e 
level with palm in and moving it from side to 
side. Should he understand and answer in the 
affirmative, ^ I see,’ he would hold his staff hori- 
zontally above his head with both hands. To 
indicate that all is well — ^ no fear ’ — hold both 
hands above the head palms front. Sconts ad- 
vance when their leader raises his hand over his 
head, palm front, and carries it forward and 
down. To make peace a scout raises a branch 
with leaves for the stranger to view. He denotes 
a challenge or desire to fight by shaking his statf 
above his head. There you are ; short and 
sweet.’^ 


CHAPTER VII 


CONSPIKACY 

TN the meantime Shrimp walked up behind 
Scout Franklin. Hey, Willard, that monn- 
tain stream looks very inviting. Let’s take a 
walk in that direction; I’d like to have a short 
talk with 3mn.’’ 

Surely, any time,” rejoined the boy, who ap- 
peared unengaged at the time, what is it? ” 
The two bovs walked olf arm in arm and seated 
themselves behind a clump of bushes on the bank 
of the rocky, swift rnnning torrent in such a way 
as to be screened from every one’s sight. For 
some time they sat silently, Willard looking ques- 
tioningly into his friend’s face. Shrimp, for his 
l)art, toyed nervously with the ends of his lan- 
vard. At last he swallowed hard. 

Willard,” he sputtered, I don’t like those 
Conner fellows, neither of them.” 

The listener started ; he had evidently smelled 
a rat before. Yes,” he conceded doubtfully, I 
noticed that.” 


77 


78 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


“ And wliaUs more, I believe that’s how they 
feel about me.” 

Willard shot a curious glance at him. 

I can't make yon out — what’s your lay? Of 
course, they’re not the sort for yon.” 

It was now Shrimp’s turn to start. He was 
reckless. There was a chance of making Willard 
an ally. lie knew the boy to be susceptible to 
pressure. It was Willard’s predominant weak- 
ness and he was determined to take advantage 
of it. 

All at once Shrimp fancied he heard a twig 
snap and the leaves behind him rustle. With a 
sinister expression on his face he wheeled around, 
but a])])arently saw nothing. 

It’s probably the wind,” he said, trying to 
comfort himself. He turned full upon Willard. 

See here,” the Pine-tree patrol leader an- 
nounced, I’m going to get even with those fel- 
lows for having slighted me the Way they did, 
to-day. Listen ” — he leaned forward and told 
Willard of his idea. He made the latter gasp. 

Willard’s u])]mr lip quivered with what seemed 
uncertainty. Do you think there’s any chance 
of — ” 

None at all,” snapped Shrimp. It’s as easy 
as eating pie, Say — won’t it shock ' I^a ’ Kav- 


CONSPIRACY 


70 


anagli, tlioiigli : he’s dead stuck on tlie two. lie’ll 
have reason to alter his opinions in the ■morning, 
however.’’ 

Clearly, Shriiii]) was as mmdi pertnii)ed as was 
Willard, insofar as the thought of the inevitable 
consequences Avas concerned. 

Evading teni])oraiy detection by j^ntting the 
evidence in the Conners’ tent did not seem suffi- 
cient. 

Anyway,” he stammered disqnietedh^, meet 
me here at — ” 

Now let ns turn to another scene. 

Syd had jnst had a talk with the scoutmaster 
and Avas Aval king al)ont the camp grounds drop- 
ping a fcAV Avords here and there to such scouts 
as were nnioccnpied. Unexpectedly he felt a tap 
on his shoulder. It was Blunders. 

The scout sainted and cangiit hold of the senior 
patrol leader’s right arm, Avhich — I beg leaA^e to 
explain — Avas adorned from Avrist to shoulder 
with merit badges and Avas, indisi)ntably, tlie ad- 
miration and envy of every boy in the troop. At 
once lie became serious. 

Sydney,” he said desperately^ yet half afraid, 
if one scout knoAA\s that another is doing wrong, 
is it considered ^ sipiealing ’ if he tells?” 

The senior patrol leader looked sharply at him. 


80 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


No/’ he at length i-etnriied, under the circuni- 
stanees I believe it would l)e the duty of that 
scout to report the act or intended act to an 
officer.” 

‘‘You'll pardon me, Syd; it’s Shrimp.” 
Sydney nodded affirmingly. “ I thought so,” 
he said sadlv, “ but I condole with the boy. He 
has had my undivided symi)at]n\ F^or no earthly 
reason at all he has taken it ni)on himself to dis- 
like Dick and Larry. To make matters worse, 
Willard is with him.” 

“ How did you guess? ” cried Blunders. 
“ AVliere’d you get it from? ” 

“ ril tell yon, Howie,” Syd said solemnly. 
“ I have noticed that Shrimp is on good terms 
with- every one in camp except the Conners. Nat- 
urally, against whom would he scheme? But tell 
me — how did you discover that they were plot- 
ting and if you know, what have they planned 
to do?” 

“ Idease don’t ask me that,” pleaded the boy. 
“ Willard isn’t half bad, and I’m sure that he’ll 
s])eak if yon put it up to him. I suspected from 
their actions that all was not well. So I fol- 
lowed them and overheard their conversation 
from behind a clump of bushes.” 

“ Under the circumstances. I suppose you acted 


CONSPIRACY 


81 


]>roperly. Y^ou’ll pardon me now tlioiigli — 
won't yon? I liaye to — ’’ 

A sliai']) succession of sliort blasts sounded on a 
whistle, rang out. It was the call to get together 
for signaling in connection Ayith that particular 
test. 

The scouts assend)led with their flags and Mr. 
Kavauagh marched them otT to a grassy slo])e 
and told them to squat about as they found com- 
fortable. 

We’re going to haye a little Semaphore game 
to begin with/’ ]Mr. Kayanagh declared. For 
this we shall need two teams, three boys to a 
team : — a sender, a receiyer and a recorder.^’ 
He looked carefully among the boys. 

Here, Sydney, — Paul, Pichard, and yourself 
will be the first team, or team ^ A.’ Harry, Earle, 
and' Silas Proctor will constitute ^ B ’ team. 
You will assume the positions in the ’order I 
called. 

Tlie object of this game is to see which of the 
two teams is more efficient in receiying a long 
message without the use of any yerbal communi- 
cation, altliough the riyal teams are but a few 
feet a])art. This will of course require a good 
deal of self-control, as well, on the part of the 
members of the teams.” 


82 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


^Ir. Kavanagli walked over to Paul Denluzer, 
tlie sender of the first team and whispered some- 
tiling' in his ear and in a moment his flags were 
sliakiiig above his head. 

What's he doin', Ted?" Dick asked politely 
of the yonng gentleman, introduced to ns in the 
lirst cha])ter as Flteriial (inestion.’’ 

Tliat's the call for attention," he answered. 
Why? " I maA^ inst as Avell saA^ here tliat this, 
infallil)lA% Avas Theodore Thatclier's usual suffix 
to any (]nestion tliat he Avas called upon to an- 
swer. 

And Avhat's dat?'^ Dick continued, not heed- 
ing the Avhy " as the sender of Squad B 
promptly raised both flags shoulder IcA^el in re- 
sponse to the attention call. 

That's the letter ^ B,’ and has the secondary 
meaning of ^ acknoAvledge.’ '’ 

What d'ye mean, Secondary? '’ Dick piped 

out. 

CoiiA^entional meaning, of course," replied 
Ted imperiously. ^W^on ought to kiioAv that." 

I knoAv it, now,’’ Dick asserted as one pos- 
sessed of all Avorldly Avisdom. But good-nat- 
uredly: Say, Avliat’s he doin’ iioav? ’’ 

Ted feinted at dignity, but soon lost his guard, 
lie laughed outright. Put it here, Dick. I 


CONSPIRACY 


83 


think their calling’ me PIteriial (Question is wrong. 
A^on’re hv far more wortliv of the title." 

t 

Dick canght his hand readily. lUit that isn’t 
answering my question/' he mildly persisted. 

^M)lq yes," Ted replied, his crossing the tACO 
flags before him is the sign for end of Acord, or 
‘ Interyal.’ " 

IIoAy do ye shoAy the end of a message? " he 
interrogated. 


AVhy, that’s denoted by the ^ chop-chop ’ 
motion of the flags to the right of the sender." 

A^on can nse aiiA^ flags fer that kind of sig- 
naling — can’t yon? ’’ qnestioned Dick, changing 
from the Ayork of the teams to the actual dis- 
cussion of the subject on hand. 

^^Xo,” Ted retorted, your flags ought to be 
one of three recognized designs and about eight- 
een inches s(jnare. The most common of these 
is the diagonal design in red and Ayhite. An- 
other used has a nine-inch scpiare in the center, 
the square being red and border Ayhite or yice- 
yersa. Thirdly, there is the Ayhite or red flag 
Ayith the correspondingly Ayhite or red band run- 
ning horizontal^ through the center. Of course, 
Amu must consider your background. A dark flag 
shows off Ayell against a light sky, but is less 
conspicuous AA^hen placed before trees. A light 


8i 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


Rag is most easily discerned of any on a dark 
Lacking of woods or tlie like. Face the other 
station and send vonr letters regnlarly and care- 
fully with a distinct ])anse after each one. This 
is the code.” Ted got on his feet and went 
throngh the motions calling off the letters and at 
the same time giving their conventional or nnnier- 
ical meanings. 

A shont caused him and Larrv to revert their 

t/ 

attentions once more to the teams. Mr. Kav- 
anagh was congratnlating the members of team 
]> for forming the better nnit. Thev had won 
the match by an error on the part of Paul Den- 
bizer, the sender of station A. lie had spoken' 
to the sender of team B, asking him to repeat a 
certain word. 

The two teams Avent to their places and the 
game was over. 

Now for International signaling,” said the 
scoutmaster, Gordon, come n^) Avith that Inter- 
national Rag of Amnrs.” 

Gordon Avalked forAvard Avith a large Avhite 
Rag, forty imdies s(]nare, having in the center a 
smaller s(pnire the size of a Avhole Semaphore 
Rag. It Avas fastened to a staff. 

Take the position for sending,” the scoutmas- 
ter called* 


CONSPIRACY 


85 


Gordon grasped the staff with Ids left hand 
near the bottom, placing his right a few inches 
al)ove, and lield tlie flag ni>right before him. 

Execute tlie interval.’’ 

The Hag went forward witli a downward stroke 
and returned immediately to the position.” In 
doing so it had described a fignre-of-eight mo- 
tion. 

Execute the dot.” 

Down went the Hag to the right of the sender, 
returning promptly to the position, having also 
gone through the motion referred to before. 

P^xecnte the dash,” the scoutmaster called. 

A similar manoenver was done to the left. 

Well done,” commented Mr. Kavanagh. 

Yon will have seen then,” he said, addressing 
the bovs, that in this code, when used with 
Hags, there are three motions and one position. 
I might also say that this system is the most 
applicable yet known. It's also used in the 
Ardois machine signaling system.” 

Please explain that,” cried a scont. 

It’s a method of rigging np red and bine 
lights,” the leader made reply, on a board hang- 
ing horizontally. The}' are monnted by the sender 
riMit to left and read from the receiver's left to 

o 

right. In this code the last ten letters of the 


86 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


alphabet are the numerals; Q being 1 and Z being 
0. In all other codes the numbers are assigned 
to the first ten letters. A red lamp indicates a 
dot and a bine one a dash. Thev niav also be 

ft/ ft 

hung vertically reading from top to bottom. A 
peculiarity about this way of signaling is that 
the attention call is ^ W W W W.’ Interna- 
tional Morse or Continental is also emi)loyed 
with the use of hand lanterns, Hash lights with 
shutters, torches, or Heliograph outfits. This 
last instrument is a device which flashes the 
sniFs rays at required intervals by means of a 
mirror.” 

Gordon’s flag is white Avith a red center — 
can’t one be used that is red with a Avhite cen- 
ter? ” a scout inquired bashfully. 

Yes,” ]Mr. Kavanagh replied, both are used 
— but come,” he Avhistled thoughtfully looking 
at his Avatch, it’s four o’clock already. You 
may have another brief intermission Avhile I get 
things read}" for supper. You Avill cook your 
OAvn meal to-night and thereby revieAA" your sec- 
ond-class cooking test.” 

Except for one individual the scouts appeared 
to breathe easier. He, sitting in a half recum- 
bent attitude, looked angrily at the Conners. 

The boys thereupon dispersed into smaller 


CONSPIRACY 


87 


groups and once more promenaded around the 
camp. AVhile doing so, Sydney met Willard 
Franklin. 

Here, AAnllard.’’ Syd led him to a space 
aside. AA^hat were Shrimp and you talking 
about behind that clump of bushes just before 
Air. Kavanagh called us together for signaling 
instruction? ” 

The delinquent colored instantly. Oh, noth- 
ing,” he stammered, just chinning over troop 
affairs.” 

S^^dney caught him by the shoulders and 
whirled him squarely about. Are you posi- 
tively sure of that? ’’ he demanded. 

Y"-y-yes,’’ the culprit maintained rather nn- 
easil^q but we might have spoken of other 
things.” He dared not look up. 

Here,-’ Sydney insisted, what precisely have 
you planned to frame up on the Conners? ” 
Shrimp’s assistant broke down completel}’'. 
“ Oh, I may as well come out with it. I know I 
acted without thinking. AA^e’ve arranged a din- 
ner for after taps and then schemed to place the 
remains of the victuals in their tent.” 

The senior patrol leader was incredulous. 
He took a ste]> backwards. ^MA^illard!” His 
eves were ablaze. Y"ou wouldn’t be so con- 

t. 


88 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


temptible as to take part in a trick like that — 

would YOU? ’’ 

But, S^Yluej,” pleaded the boy meekly, I 
shouldn’t have consented to do it if Shrimp 
hadn’t tempted me so.” 

That’s understood,” Sydney agreed, but I 
want to exact something- of a promise from you. 
Yon will not be a party in that affair? ” 

Very well — all right — yon can take my 
word for it — I promise,” repeated the boy in 
(piick order. 

I take your word on your honor as a Scout. 
Yon may go.” 

Sydney shook hands with him and slapped him 
across the shoulders. 


CHAPTER VIII 

DICK AND LARDY LEARN BY DOING 


OOMEWIIERE, somehow, Dick and Larry had 

conceived the idea that natnre was a much 
needed addition to their scouting repertoire.” 
No sooner had ]\Ir. Kavanagh declared their res- 
pite from work than they pounced on Gordon and 
Earl Beverley, one of the Bears, and carried 
them off to the neigliboring woods. 

Look at these liigh trees,” cried Dick, view- 
ing with admiration a stately tree. Gee, I bet 
he’s about a hundred an’ fifty feet high if he’s 
an inch.” 

What kind is it, Gordon?” interrupted 
Larrv. 

“ White oak,” was the succinct ex[)lanatioii. 

You can tell by the round lol)es and tlie deep 
indentations of the leaf. Here is a red oak,” he 
picked up a large well-formed leaf with very 
sharp irregular indentations. “ See the differ- 
ence? ” 

Yes, but what’s dis? ” Larry queried as he 

held up another slightly smaller and lighter leaf. 

89 


90 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


Ain’t it the same as the one yon have in your 
hand?” 

No/’ Gordon answered, that\s a turkey oak. 
You will notice it is somewhat smaller and 
lighter in color.” 

Here’s a burr oak/’ called Earl as he came 
up with a large leaf witli rough but not especially 
deep indentations. He also showed a flat, stnb- 
blv acorn with burrs skirting the edge of the 
cup. 

I’ve found a chestnut tree,” shouted Gordon, 
who had walked a little way ahead. 

Where, where?” chorused the others excit- 
edly. 

Here,” came the response, but just now the 
burrs are green so there’s no chance of taking any 
chestnuts home.” 

They found Gordon seated high in the tree. 
He snapped off a leaf and tossed it to the boys 
below. Dick recovered it and held it up before 
him interestedly. 

Gee, but this leaf has rough, sharp edges,” 
he remarked, running his hand along the teeth. 

And it seems to be so much broader at the end 
than at the base.’’ 

Yes,” put in the lad in the tree. There is an 
oak leaf which looks like that known as the 


DICK AND LARRY LEARN BY DOING 91 


cliestiuit oak. The horse chestnut leaves grow in 
bnnches of five.’’ 

Gordon climbed down and they proceeded on 
their way. A few niinntes of laughter and other- 
wise enjoyable journeying and they found them- 
selves in an evergreen grove. 

Earl pulled at the needles of a white pine as 
he ]>assed. Five of the thin leaves came off in a 
biiiich. See/’ he said, this is the peculiarity 
of the pines : the needles grow in clusters. The 
nnml)er of this species being five.” 

Y^es,” added Gordon, and we ought to re- 
member the pine for special reasons. It’s dear 
to the scout because after a long hike he can 
turn ill ” on a bed of pine or balsam fir and be 
quite at home. By the way, here is a balsam 
fir. lie pointed to a tree with branches very 
near the ground. The leaves or needles were 
curved and growing on both sides of the twig, 
formed a V-shaped arch, pointing up. 

A few paces farther on they came upon a blue 
spruce easily recognized by the decidedly bluish 
tint of the outer parts while the more concealed 
pai'ts of the leaves retained their green color. 
Dick and Larry both expressed their pleasure 
very emphatically, but ottered no remonstrances 
to the proposal to go on. 


92 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


Tlie next thing encountered was a hemlock 
whicli Gordon pointed ont had a sliort stnhby 
bristling needle that was fastened to the twig 
by a hairlike stem. He snmmed np by saying 
that the evergreens Avere cone-bearing trees. 

hbirther on tAVO poplars Avere found standing 
side by side. This first Lombardy poplar,’’ 
ILirl said, is readily distingnished by its up- 
standing limbs. This other one is the large tooth 
aspen or po]dar. Yon Avill notice that the bark 
is gravish-Avhite and that the leaATS are coarse 
toothed. Here, Larry, taste this.” 

He cut away the outer and removed a tiny 
piece of the inner bark holding it ont to the 
3’onnger Conner. 

Larry pirt it into his month, but quickly spit 
it ont. Gee,” he sputtered, ‘Glat stuff is bit- 
ter.” 

We knoAv it,” laughed Gordon and Earl mer- 
rilv. So AA e gave it to von I ” 

Next they came to the tree called white birch. 

Anybody ought to be able to pick that out,” 
Dick spoke up. 

Surely,” the others agreed. 

Here’s a black birch,” declared Gordon with 
the air of an expert forester, want to taste some 
more bark? ” 


DICK AND LARRY LEARN BY DOING 93 


Not me,” Larry liasteiied to say, I gotta 
’miff from tli’ other time. A^on taste dat your- 
self! ” 

I’m game,” Gordon immediately rejoined and 
began to clieAV on a piece of the greenish-yellow 
inner bark, evidently enjoying himself immensely 
the Avhile. 

Larry snatched a piece, took a suck, and then 
Avent to it like a major. Grab a hnnk, Dick,” 
he yelled, it's birch beer: the real thing.” 

Dick accepted the invitation and Avas soon like- 
Avise absorbed in his Avork. 

SaA^, Earl,” he asked, Ave liaA^e to learn about 
birds and animals, too — don't aa o? ” 

^^A"es,” the scout responded, ‘G)ut for birds I 
think von had better communicate Avith the local 
Audubon authorities and tlmw Avill send vou beau- 
tifullA" colored bird charts and pamphlets Avith 
information about photographing, studying, and 
classifying specimens that you identify in the 
field. Birds and animals require more prepara- 
tion than I could giA^e you in a short time. For- 
estiw also needs a lot of personal application.” 
^MYliat’s that funny looking })lant there?” 
Dick queried, pointing to a three-leaA^ed affair 
Avith ver}^ light green shiny leaA^s, mixed Avith 
the other Avoodbine. 


94 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


Beware of tliat stuff — keep away from it — 
it’s poison ivy.” 

Gordon led them away. 

Say, fellows, it must be getting’ late — where 
are we anyway?” Earl asked restlessly. 

Gordon was likewise clearly disturbed. Oh, 
did yon notice in what direction from camp we 
walked? ” 

Yes,” F]arl replied, north-east.” 

Fine,” yelled Gordon happih^, it’s good that 
some one knows. Confound it, that compass of 
mine is back in camp ! ” He ransacked his 
pockets fntilely. 

In a moment a discouraged air hovered over 
the group. 

Gee,” exclaimed Harry, his snnny disposi- 
tion obscured with doubt, how’ll we manage? ” 

Easily,’’ Earl responded with a chirp, ‘‘ let 
me have your wrist-watch, Gordon.” 

^MVhat’s the big idea?” marveled the owner 
api)rehensively, handing over the object in (pies- 
tion. 

That’s for me to show yon,” rejoined the 
other seizing upon it. As the onlookers pressed 
forward to command a close view of the experi- 
ment he pulled out a blade of grass and held it 
at the edge of the dial exactly at the point of the 


DICK AND LARRY LEARN BY DOING 95 


lioiir liaiicL In this position lie -moved the watch 
about until the shadow of the piece of grass 
fell directly along the hour hand. 

Here's sontlp fellows/’ he cried, tonching the 
point half-way between the hour hand and twelve, 
connting to the right. 

Win" don’t yon count to the left?’’ inquired 
Dick, who had been an interested spectator so 
far. 

The snn rises in the east and sets in the 
west,” Earl made plain, so that accounts for 
the shadow falling on one side of the dial at 
forenoon and on the reverse side during the after- 
noon. Therefore, south will be midway between 
the shadow and twelve in the morning connting 
to the left and in the afternoon counting to the 
right — understand? ” 

Yes, Imt what are the compass points? 
Y'oii’re talking so much about them — what are 
they ? ” 

They are : 

North 

North northeast 

Northeast 

East northeast 

East 

East southeast 

Southeast 


South southwest 
Southwest 
West southwest 
West 

West northwest 
N orth west 
North northwest 


96 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


South southeast North 

South 

Earl went through the list with the rapidity 
of a quick-fire gun. 

But come/’ he called, the main idea just 
now is to get back to cami).” He readjusted the 
position of the watch and led them off in a south- 
westerly course and soon they were able to see 
the tents through the trees. 

The boys were still moving about, so it was 
plain to them that the whistle had not as yet 
sounded. 

We certainly did make good time — didn't 
we? ’’ grunted Dick, leaping up on his toes of a 
sudden and trying some pugilistic moves on his 
brothei'. Oh, Eaii,” he bellowed, turning on 
Beverley, are there any other ways of telling 
time and direction without the help of a watch 
or compass? ” 

^^You can bet 3’our bottom dollar,” the scout 
answered. I have already shown you how to 
tell direction with a watch. It’s also good to 
know that moss grows on the north side of a 
tree. Of course if you have no watch and you 
want to know the time, there is a way. In the 
morning shadows fall on the west side of things ; 
in the afternoon on the east. At noon there will 


DICK AND LARRY LEARN BY DOING 97 


be an absence of shadow or sonietbiiis; like one 
just a trifle to the northwards and — ’’ 

Pop’s ’’ whistle shrieked ont. The scoutmas- 
ter had recalled the scouts and as ordinarily, 
they came np to him ; this time around the mess 
tent. There he stood together with" ^Ir. jVIars 
and Sydney, sleeyes rolled np before a large sack 
of potatoes. 

Before we do anything,” he began, each of 
yon get ont and find two green sticks with 
crotches : the pieces themselyes to be about six- 
teen inches long. Get in addition a cross piece 
rather thick; let ns say an inch and a half in 
diameter. Split this large piece down the center, 
not quite to the end. Build ^mnr fires and work 
in pairs according to patrols. Beady — start ! 
Let’s see who can be first.” 

One — two — three, and off they scrambled to 
get the sticks. Three — four, and fires were 
roaring. Then they filed np before the mess tent 
and each receiyed in the pan of his mess kit a 
piece of meat and two potatoes. The tin pie 
plates of Dick and Larry failed, howeyer, to pro- 
duce as noisy a reception as did their bed qnilts, 
earlier in the day. 

Shrimp and Willard went to their fire and'* 

f 

thrust the two crotched sticks upright on oppo-! 


98 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


site sides of the tire, putting their meat between 
the split stick and placed it over the tire, resting 
on the uprights. They tied the o]>en end of the 
spit together with a piece of wire in order to 
hold the meat in tightl3^ Following ^Ir. Kav- 
anagh's advice, they had wrapped their potatoes 
in a cake of mnd, dej)osited them in the hot 
ashes, and built another tire on top. It was 
about this tire that they now seated themselves 
to wait for the meat to cook. Willard reached 
out from time to time and turned it over. 

I like potatoes much better when made this 
way,” Shrimp recalled drowsil}^ If you just 
wash them off and place them in the tire, the skin 
becomes charred and inedible. Dut mud hardens 
when heated and forms a nice little oven around 
it that helps maintain an even heat and also pro- 
tects the skin. My, but they do taste tine indeed 
when they come out that way. They’re so nice 
and clean, you can eat the skin and all.” 

“Yes,” answered Willard, “look at the Con- 
ners over there. They’re making use of that 
other style of broiling the meat because they have 
broken their crotches in trying to put them in the 
ground. Y"ou will notice that they have thrust 
the end of the stick, holding their meat, into the 


DICK AND LARRY LEARN BY DOING 99 


ground so tliat it iiicdines over tlie fire — not a 
bad idea at all, I think.” 

Dali,” Shrimp iinpatientlj ejaculated, I 
hope their meat falls into the lire and — ” 

The Conners win,” shouted Mr. Kavanagh 
quickly. For beginners these boys have made 
remarkable progress.” 

Well, I declare I ” 

Shrimp turned abruptly b’onnd and to his 
chagrin found Mr. Kavanagh standing over Dick 
and Larry, Avho, with months crammed full, were 
laboring diligently on the food that had met favor 
with the scoutmaster. 

Shrimp looked queerly at his assistant, but 
kept his peace. Willard likewise was mute. 

When all had eaten, washed their mess kits (or 
pie jdates), and burned up all the refuse about 
camp, Sydney summoned AVillard, Dick and 
Larry. 

Get hatchets and come out with me,” he ex- 
plained, drawing his own from the sheath at 
his belt, and wedl get Avood for the council 
tire. That’s one of the important features of a 
camp or over-night hike, so every scout should 
consider it an honor to be allowed to have a part 
in its making. Now, fellows,” — they had just 



100 SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


arrived at tlie poplar sector of the forest — cut 
as many pieces of good dry wood, about two 
inches in diameter and three feet long, as you can 
carry.’’ 

Willing hands bestirred themselves to hewing 
and trimming and by the time S^nlney blew the 
signal for returning each scout had a good supply. 

TliaUs tine,” exclaimed Syd, I have the 
usual lU'ivilege to-night, you know, as troop 
leader, to confer upon aipy scout, whom I choose 
to appoint, the honor of lighting the council tire. 
The council tire signifies unity of thought and 
action and is the convening place of campers 
for the purpose of songs, stories, games, and good- 
fellowship.” 

Thev had wended their wav, subconsciously, 
into camp while talking of other things and the 
senior patrol leader, selecting an open space in 
the center of the camp, assembled his assistants. 

This particular kind of fire is built in two 
ways ; either in the form of a solid cube of sticks 
laid row across row or by merely constructing a 
frame of the sticks like the walls of a log cabin, 
filling the inside of the frame with dry brush. 
It's rather like camouflage, but we’ll adopt the 
latter method so as to save some ^ lumber ’ for 
the morning.” 


DICK AND LARRY LEARN BY DOING 101 


The sun had sunk iu the west and darkness 
descended rapidly. 

They commenced to work and presently all 
Avas in readiness for lighting. Sydney instructed 
the three boys to go to their tent and pre- 
pare as for sleeping, each- throwing a blanket 
about himself in the fashion of an Indian. He 
then took a heavy knot to the mess tent, satu- 
rated the club-like end of it Avith oil and took his 
friction-fire drill outfit under his blanket. 

Suddenly a sound was heard as though some 
one Avere beating on a tom-tom. 

SloAvly in solemn procession, the redmen 
emerged from their Avigwams ” and paced in a 
circle around the pile. All at once a tremendous 
crash resounded and all faced the center. 

Chief ■ ’ KaA^anagh arose from the high seat. 

Be seated, O faithful folloAvers of NeAvampa; 
but first, let us cry the praises of the festi\^e god. 
Hoav I hoAV ! 

Hoav I how ! the others reechoed. Getting 
down on all fours and raising their blankets high 
above them, they screamed in one voice — 

NeAV-Avamp-pa ! ’’ 

Again and again the weird shout rent the air 
as they touched their heads to the ground. 

Had any one lived near by, he Avould have been 


102 SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


perfectly justified in indicting the horrible din 
and the chaos that followed as nuisances. Then 
just as suddenly, all seated themselves around the 
fire in a circle. 

Dick looked at his little brother half smothered 
in a quilt. 

Crackey,’’ he whispered, this bunch must be 
plumb off and ^ over the top ’ — watcha say? ” 

‘‘ Brave Svdnev,” said the scoutmaster with an 
exaggerated })retension of dignity, much to the 
scouts’ diversion, appoint thou the brave to 
whom shall go the exalted honor of lighting the 
fire.’’ 

Yea, verily,” the boy made answer, 'tis the 
brave Dick Conner.” 

Dick started at mention of Ids name, but recov- 
ered from his confusion. lie walked clumsily 
over to Svdnev, who took out the fire-making set 
and commenced to toil. The senior patrol leader 
thrust the point of the drill into a notch in tlie 
fire board, adjusted the thong and began bow- 
ing.” A thin sand was ground out. It was 
white; then brown; then black; a glow. Quickly 
the tinder flamed uj) and the red tongues of the 
torch ate into the air. 

Dick ran to the i)ile and touched the torch to 


DICK AND LARRY LEARN BY DOING 103 


the bottom of the brush and as the flames leaped 
upwards into the night, the boys sat awesome 
and thoughtful. 


CHAPTER IX 


TIIP] (M)lTXriL FIRE 

1\TE. KAVxVNAGII arose and spoke. We 
shall open the council with the singing’ of 
the National Anthem and America.’’ 

The boys stood as a body and into the night 
rang the patriotic words from the depths of loyal 
hearts. 

THE 8TAR-8PANGLED HANNER 

O say, can yon see, by the dawn's early light. 
What so ])i*ondly we hail'd at the twilight’s last 
gleaming? 

Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro’ the 
perilous light. 

O'er the rami)arts we watched were so gallantly 
streaming; 

And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting 
in air. 

Gave proof thro’ the night that our flag was 
still there! 

O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave 
O’er the land of the free and the home of the 
brave? 


104 


THE COUNCIL FIRE 


105 


On the shore, dimly seen thro’ the mists of the 
dee]), 

AVhere the foe's lianghty hosts in dread silence 
re])Oses 

Wliat is that which the breeze, o’er tlie towerinu’ 
stee]). 

As it litfnlly blows, half conceals, half dis- 
closes? 

Now it catches the gleam of the morning’s first 
beam. 

In fnll glory reflected, now shines on the 
stream — 

’Tis the star-spangled banner: O long may it 

wave 

O’er the land of the free and the home of the 
brave. 


And where is that band who so vanntingly swore, 
Alid the havoc of war and the battle’s confu- 
sion, 

A home and a country they’d leave ns no more? 
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps’ 
])ollntion, 

No refuge could save the hireling and slave. 
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the 
grave — 

And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall 
wave 

O’er the land of the free and the home of the 
brave. 

O thus be it ever when freemen shall stand 
Between their loved homes and foul war’s deso- 
lation, 


106 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


Blest with victTy and peace, may the heav’n- 
rescued land 

Praise the Power that hath made and preserved 
ns a nation. 

Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, 
And this be our motto, In God is our trust ’’ — 
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall 

wave 

While the land of the free is the home of the 
brave, 

— Francis Scott Key, 1814. 
AMEBICA 

My country Tis of thee. 

Sweet land of liberty. 

Of thee I sing; 

Land where my fathers died. 

Land of the Pilgrim's pride. 

From every mountain side 
Let freedom ring. 

My native country thee. 

Land of the noble free. 

Thy name I love; 

I love thy rocks and rills. 

Thy woods and templed hills; 

My heart with rapture thrills 
Like that above. 

Let music swell the breeze. 

And ring from all the trees 
Sweet freedom’s song; 

Let mortal tongues awake. 


THE COUNCIL FIRE 


107 


Let all that breathe partake, 

Let rocks their silence break, 

The sound prolong I 

Oiir father’s God, to Thee, 

Author of liberty. 

To thee we sing : 

Long may onr land be bright 
With freedom's holy light; 

Protect ns by Thy might. 

Great God, onr King. 

— Hamiicl F. 1832. 

“ Now for a master program. Who volunteers 
to do his part first — please don’t all speak at 
once.’^ Mr. Kavanagh searched the convention 
of patrols. 

Sydney put up his hand. 

Kanierad,” he yelled as the assembly broke 
into a rousing laugh. 

Says our fi-iend, Fritz,” Shrimp added. He 
failed to excite mirth so to speak. 

Oh, yes,’^ the scoutmaster pressed, our sen- 
ior patrol is literarily inclined. How about that 
original story which j^oii read to me last week? 
It certainly was a corker. And I think the boys 
would siinidy rave over it.” 

I had pre])ared something of a different 
nature, but if you insist, it is for me to oblige.” 

It must be said in all justice to Syd, he pos- 


108 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


sessed magnetic attraction to sncli a degree as 
to hold his audiences as no one could. More- 
over, he had a peculiar flavor, all his own, in 
telling a story, that invariably interweaved the 
listeners’ imagination with the thread of the 
tale. To quote the words of his bosom pal, 
Shrimj), when he got his adjectives out ’’ he was 
incomparable. Coincidentally the ring about the 
fire closed in as far as the heat would permit 
and the boys with ex])ressions of exi)ectation 
leaned forward lest some i)oint of the story escape 
them. 

Sydney began : — 

THE LEGEND OF RHO-DA-NA. 

Many ages ago there dwelt in the north a 
mighty tribe, versed in the lore of the forest, 
skilled in the Avays of battle. To the great chief 
there was born one day a son, and from miles 
around came tributary chiefs to do him homage 
and bring gifts for the heir of that omnipotent 
sachem. 

And when they were gathered in the council 
lodge and the pipe had been passed ’round in 
silence, one of their number s])ake forth, saying: 

Hehold what gift I bring to the mighty Kwa- 
na-sa-to — mine own infant son, Matloo, who 


THE COUNCIL FIRE 


109 


shall be reared side by side Avith the young chief. 
Let him be the pledge of the fidelity my people 
bear to the great Kwa-na-sa-to.” 

Kwa-iia-sa-to was pleased, and a ninrmnr of 
ai)proA^al Avas heard from the assembled chief- 
tains. 

Then fortliAAfith another addressed the council. 
He Avas proud, jealous, and spoke not AAdthout a 
strain of contempt. 

I bring a far Avorthier gift.’’ 

He held forth a baby girl in all her tribal 
splendor. 

My daughter LeAV-whet-ha AAdio shall be his 
Avife. So Avill tAA^o great nations be joined in 
alliance.” 

Once again KAAai-na-sa-to nodded his pleasure, 
more satisfied than before. 

At last from an obscure corner of the circle 
came tottering an old chief bent under the AAxdght 
of years, but one Avhose AAord aa as Avell attended 
in council. 

Many,” he said, are the gifts shoAA^ered this 
day upon onr illustrious host. Many are the 
AA’ords spoken in praise of him. But Avhat see 
I? Man is jealous of his felloAv and vies Avith 
him in attempt to Avin the favor of man. L)a- 
be-ne the blessed friictifier deigned not to smile 


110 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


upon 1113^ lieartli and I have iieitlier heir nor daugh- 
ter to offer. I bring riclies of less alluring, but 
far more needed sort : a wish for the welfare of 
all 3^our peoples. ^lan is cla,v and his life is 
ephemeral. Man makes promises, but tluw are 
like the leaves : green and fresh for a brief season, 
then withering, brown, and dead. Mutual ac- 
cord maintaineth peace. Compulsion supplieth 
a tension apt under strain to sever. ^lan should 
love his fellow unselfishlv, for is he not above the 
wild beasts in understanding? Let him cease to 
hunt and sla^^ him, not because he is bound b}" 
oath, but because he realizes the evil thereof. 
List to me and there shall come prosperiCv to 
.vour peoples and greatness unto .vour names. 
For whatsoever the Great Spirit createth it is 
not for man to destroy. 

The words Avere spoken and the assemblage 
was aAved into silence. 

TwentA^ summers came and fled and the old 
IvAva-na-sa-to looked Avith pride upon his scion 
Kho-da-na. He Avas a lad fair to look upon, 
sturd}" as the oak, and swift in his flight, as the 
eagle. A might a' hunter Avas he, famed alike 
in his OAvn countrv and others. So too greAv his 
bosom friend Matloo, companion in council and 
the chase. But fairest of all Avas LeAv-AAdiet-ha, 


THE COUNCIL FIRE 


111 


fresh and pure as the rose aspersed with the 
pearly dew of the iiiorning. 

Love will l)e not shackelled nor hound like a 
slave unwilling’. It chooseth for itself and to its 
choice is constant. Even so did Lew-whet-ha 
look with loving eyes upon Matloo. Eho-da-na 
saw and understood, but was not jealous of his 
friend for he loved him. 

In time the aged Kwa-na-sa-to became incensed 
against the comely Matloo and banished him 
from the land amidst the deprecations of his 
loyal friend. Matloo returned dejectedly unto 
his people and they were sore displeased. 

But it lies not within the power even of a king 
to deny love its demands and so shortly after- 
wards Lew-whet-ha fled also out of the land of 
Kwa-na-sa-to. 

And when the aged chieftain learned that his 
son had aided her escape he stormed witli indig- 
nation against him. He was old and feeble and 
fairly wept in the passion of his wrath. 

Come/’ he cried to the Avarriors in council, 
let ns make Avar on onr neighbors and so Avarn 
the others lest they too incur my anger.” 

And then Avas there turmoil in the land of Kwa- 
na-sa-to. Each brave saw to his weapons : each 
father trained his son. Eor tAvo days and a night 


112 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


were heard tlie weird syllables of the battle ehaiit. 

t 

Ivho-da-iia saw and heard and his heart was heavy 
with anguish. 

On the eve of the third day the chiefs son 

e 

fasted and jira^^ed. When it was dark he stole 
from his wigwam and set out for the country of 
his friend. Many miles had he to travel, for 

t/ / 

Matloo lived on the vast plain while he was a 
child of the forest. AVeaiionless and with noth- 
ing bnt the tiny eyes of heaven to guide him he 
forced his wav through the night. Oft would he 
have paused to rest by some gentle stream, l)ut 
love for his friend and dread of the pursuit 
which he knew even now was beginning drove 
him forward on his mission. 

AATien Aurora painted the east with a subtle 
gold and pink he emerged upon a height and saw 
beneath him in the valley the wigwams of his 
friend, lie smiled with jov, though his body 
l)ained him mightily and he was bowed witli 
Aveariness. 

Matloo came forward to greet him with much 
affection and the fair Lew-whet-ha kneeled at his 
feet to receive his blessing as she Avas Avont to 
do. 

Prepare/’ cried the fatal messenger for the 
Avrath of my father is turned against thee and 


THE COUNCIL FIRE 


113 


he comes even with three thousand warriors to 
do harm to thy people.’’^ 

Trnl}^ then a dismal wail arose from all those 
present, for Matloo’s people had long known the 
blessings of peace. 

Presently it seemed as though a dark cloud 
had descended, and as they looked, terrified, be- 
hold, there on the height outlined against the 
sun were Kwa-na-sa-to and his peoi)le. 

Chaos followed and mothers drew their chil- 
dren to them and together they sent u}) clamors, 
while the men prepared for whatever defense 
they could offer. 

Atop the height the brightly feathered chief- 
tain gave word to his braves. 

Spare my son for he is of mine own being, but 
deal death unto the rest.’’ 

Thereupon with many shouts the warriors 
descended into the valley. 

Then did Pho-da-na seize a near-by steed and 
assist the lovers to mount thereon. This Kwa- 
na-sa-to observed and he thought hastily. 

Stay them I ’’ 

Three warriors drew bow and true flew the 
shafts on their errand. Kwa-na-sa-to saw too 
late the folly of his command. lie saw his only 
son fall dead beside his friends, and the old 


114 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


chief’s heart burst within him. lie assembled 
his braves e'er they could work havoc and shed 
wild tears over the body of his heir. 

Yea/’ he cried, beating- himself upon the 
breast, man is a fool and harkens not to wis- 
dom, preferring first the bligliT e’er he will yield. 
Had I but heeded, this form of bleeding clay 
would one day be chief in my stead.” 

Then spake one of the elders of Matloo’s people. 

Olp Kwa-na-sa-to, mighty thou wert in battle, 
but thy heart was l)lack as the waters when the 
winds lash them about. Not so was thy son, 
devoted, and forgiving even unto his enemies. 
By his act he has earned the love of the great 
creator and he has passed this day to the happy 
hunting grounds. Greater love than this had no 
man, for he laid down his life for his friend.’’ 

A great calm fell over the scene; the ver}^ 
winds themselves, it seemed, hushed by that holy 
deed of devotion. 

And time, the wonderful healer, wrought a 
great change in Kwa-na-sa-to, for he had learned 
to hold peace on earth, good will towards men. 
He became as the humblest among them, loved 
for his kindness, and lived to see his ])eople pros- 
perous and ha])py. 


THE COUNCIL FIRE 


115 


A tall carved ])ole was raised on the spot of 
that noble sacrifice and ever after as the chil- 
dren of the forest glanced skyward they pointed 
out two twin stars which they called Kho-da-na 
and Matloo. 

A thundering volume of applause was Syd's for 
the effort. Ted Thatcher leaped up and gave the 
signal : 

All together, fellows ; the scout ^ be pre- 
pared/ yell — three ^ Syds ’ on the end. ‘ Be 
prepared/ he yelled. 

ZING A ZANG BOOM ! BOOM ! ’’ they an- 
swered. SYD I SYD ! SYD ! 

Sydney lay back laughing in his place. 

WhoTl do something now, seeing that some 
one has already set the ball rolling? asked the 
scoutmaster. 

Timidly and with some degree of discomfiture, 
AYillard Franklin put up his hand. 

Fine,” said the scoutmaster warmly, I see 
we arc getting results.” 

I haveiiT much to offer,’’ apologized Willard 
nervously, but I’ll make a desperate attempt 
at a little poem in which scouting sentiments are 
expressed. It was originally intended to be 
humorous.” 


116 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 



“All together, fellows; the scout ‘be prepared’ yell — three 

‘ Syds ’ on the end.” 


Any effort, however Immhle, will be well re 
ceived,” assured the seoutniaster. 

Willard stepped out into the eirele and com 
inenced : 



THE COUNCIL FIRE 


117 


THE TEOUBLEkS of TIMOTHY TORT 

Tenderfoot Timothy Tort of Pike 
Once went olf on a council hike. 

Smartest lad in town was lie; 

As nice a hoy as ever he. 

The jiarticnlar morn of which I speak 
A\Tis overcast and slightly hleak : 

Yet forth came Timothy, smiling sweet, 
Shell-rimmed specs, hair parted neat. 

His ])ack and blankets weighed him down, 
A glorious sight from toe to crown. 

His girlish knees so soft and pink 
Were even howed a hit, I think. 


He S])orted too a new canteen 
The like of which had ne’er been seen. 
As fnll two gallons it conld hold, 
Timothy jirized its weight — in gold. 

The hoys, I think, were told to meet 
Corner ^lain and Frenzy Street, 

And so onr hero staggered too 
Until the tryst place came to view. 


A crowd of noisy youngsters there 
Were rending witli their shouts the air. 
Gentle Timothy, too precarious. 

Boldly joined the group hilarious. 


118 SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


F^oi* a moment none could utter. 

Then one scout was heard to sj)utter: 
‘‘ That's his junk, but where is he? ” 
Timothy was obscured, you see. 

7 €/ 


Tlien there rose some lusty yells 
Which sounded through the distant dells. 
Then all was quiet — cause enough : 
Commissioner wouldn't brook the stuff. 


Heady, scouts ! ” they heard him shout. 
With that the foremost lads stepped out. 
Timothy was strangely 'ware 
Of something going on back there. 


Nor did the youth liaA^e long to wait, 
F''or something landed on his ]>ate, 
Dolled to his ])ack, and, sad to say, 
Ilis back grew A\ et Ayithout delaA\ 

C7» t. 


lie made, Tis said, one grotesque face, 
Tlien scattered tears all round the place. 
Those awfuLruffians-Aristotle ! 

Smashed was his new thermos bottle. 

0 


They reached at last a camping spot 
’Mid shady trees; not cold, not hot. 
And Timothy with sagelike bent 
Flrected high his own Ayall tent. 


THE COUNCIL FIRE 


119 


He said his prayers and went to bed, 
The story i^oes, I think Tis said 
Some lolliiyi!,’ rocks Avere nnderneath 
A\diicli nearly cost him tAvo front teeth. 

By morn Ids sides AA^ere black and bine. 
He’d canght a cold, AAas coughing', too. 
He had no Inst to join in song, 
fJnst sighed Avee sighs and trudged along. 


While sliding doAAni a hill his i)ants, 

Th(‘ seat of his intelligence, 

A\'ere torn. He failed to see the joke. 
Though all the rest AA'ith mirth did choke. 

Cj 


Each little cut or speck of dirt 
Caused him tweh^e complaints to blnrt. 

For sooth he aa as a AA orthy scout. 

The rest Avonld fain liaAx^ throAAni him out. 


He took it so to he ai t, t h e A saA , 

He spoke to none for many a day. 

Jnst Avent straight home Avith sundry pouts, 
SAVore off hikes and left the sconts. 


Moral 

Yon AA'ho AVonld a hiking go. 

Think on Tim and be not so. 

Be a Iran: don’t nse cologne. 

And sconts Avill claim yon for their OAAm. 


120 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


P>ravo, bravo,’’ Mr. Kavanagli encouraged. 
That Avas Avell done. Any more volunteers? 
We ought not to have to resort to a draft.” 
Gordon got to his feet and dashed recklessly 
into the enclosure. 

THE SCOUT 

It’s not the badge he’s daring, 

Nor uniform he’s wearing, 

That makes the better man of him in life’s far- 
reaching sea. 

It’s loyalty that’s growing. 

The s])irit that he’s showing 
Towards those Avho make this great old game 
just what it’s meant to be. 

He’s not that type of shoAver, 

Tlie blntfer or the bloAver 
Who takes delight in boasting of the plaudits he 
has gained. 

He stands for something higher — 

Tliis torch of Amuthful dre — 

t ' 

He gets his share of honors but thev’re genuine, 
nnfeigned. 


He loA^es to sit in saddle, 

To liike, to dsh, or paddle. 

Or camp along the verdant banks of tinkling 
Avaterfalls. 

He’ll meet a job and do it. 

Once on, he’ll go right through it. 

Ilis mettle’s dt to buck the toughest stalls. 


THE COUNCIL FIRE 


121 


He’s manhood in tlie inakins:. 

His method's worth the taking: 
lie speaks tlie truth and riglits the wrong wher- 
ever it is seen. 

He sees and does liis duty, 

Be nature bright or sootv, 

He's independent, confident, on no one will he 
lean. 


xV citizen to-morrow 

AVitli traits that need not borrow, 

A big career he enters with a heart that’s pure 
and free. 

C''omj)osed of stock with vigor, 

AATdl fit for life's stern rigor. 

The scont becomes a man of trne reliability. 

Tlie scouts accorded this very fine contribu- 
tion much applause. 

AA^e haven’t much more time to S])are, but 
we're going to have a wrestling match as a sort 
of grand finale," Air. Kavanagh said: Any 

boys wish to be contestants? ” 

To the astonishment of everybody, Dick let his 
blanket slide from his shoulder, displaying by 
the act a perfect athletic figure. He walked into 
the ring and folded his arms. 

For a moment there was silence. Then a voice 
answered curtly : I’ll take that up ! ” 

All eyes were upon them as Shrimp took his 


122 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


place opposite liis adversary with eyes tliat 
flashed Are. Here was an opportnnity worth 
taking advantage of; a chance to down Dick in 
the presence of the Avhole troop. Slowly the boys 
closed on each other. 

Often overconfidence has proven itself more 
an encnmbrance than an asset. x\nd Avhen this 
foolish bravado is combined with a half feeling 
of distrust in the justice of one's cause, defeat is 
almost bound to follow. 

The very second Dick tightened his body hold 
on Shriin}) the latter knew he had met his match. 
Shrimp had thought he himself was the better 
man. It is very eas}' for a bnlly to be bold so 
long as he dominates the situation, but no sooner 
are the tables turned than he reveals himself in 
his true colors. 

Nevertheless Shrimp rallied. He would at 
least give his opponent a hard fight. He hinged 
forward and locked his arm about Dick's head. 

Dick in a reckless effort to free himself, threw 
his dead weight forwards on his adversarv and 
both toppled to the ground; Shrimp beneath, 
Dick uppermost. Back and forward they rolled 
in tight embrace, now one on top, now another. 
Gradually Shrimp felt himself weakening. Was 


THE COUNXIL FIRE 


123 


lie to o'ive up so early in the o-ame? Not miicli! 
lie made a liopeless tiy at niiseatiii<>; his oppo- 
nent who, astride Ids cliest, was forcing his shoul- 
ders down. Every now and then the spectators 
would let np a howl of ap])reciation at some 
clever feat on the part- of either of the contest- 
ants. Shrimp noticed to his disgust that Dick 
was the favorite. He braced himself in an at- 
teni])t to raise his right shoulder, but found to 
his chagrin that it Avas pinioned to the ground 
by the pressure of Dick’s elbow. 

As he lay there reflecting on the humility of 
defeat, he became desperate. He Avould Avin by 
hook or crook. Still there was an impediment. 
Before him shone up in red the Avords : A 

ScoT’T IS Tkustavorthy. If He Should Vio- 
late His Honor by Telling a Lie or by Cheat- 
ing . . .’’ 

He fought fiercely AAdth his conscience, but the 
momentous necessity for immediate Auctory ont- 
Aveighed all other consideration. 

To the surprise of all except the victim and 
the aggressor Dick suddenly rolled over Avith sub- 
dued shriek and an expression of pain and pro- 
test. Shriui]) immediately threAV him off, rolled 
on to]) of him and pressed his shoulders doAvn. 


124 SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


Mr. Ivavaiiagli stei)ped iij) and ta})ped the win- 
ner on the slionlder. 

Yon win — get ott’/' he said. Then to Diek, 
It's too l)ad that von were so unexpectedly 
taken witli a i)ain in yoiir side. Yon were doing 
very nicely np to that time. You'll do better 
next time.-’ 

lint — Dick started to say something and 
choked down the words, only a sni)pressed jnm- 
ble being audible. 

Shrimp felt a pang of remorse : he had actually 
cheated ; broken the scout law and thereby ren- 
dered himself liable to expulsion. Notwith- 
standing, he was little tronbled with the thought 
of his being called to account for his crime. 

lint old man Experience knows better. One 
might hide a fanlt indefinitely, bnt to conceal 
])ermanently an inequity is impossible. To quote 
Shakespeare: ^Inrder will out I 

There was one who saw, remembered, but said 
nothing. 


I 


CHAPTER X 


P>KEAKP:KS AHEAD! 


TN the homes of the town the hands of the 
^ anticjne grandfathers’ clocks were slowly 
creeping to the ghostly hour. Ear away on Preci- 
l)ice Mountain the little cam}) lay wrap])ed in 
slumber, the white and khaki tents outlined in 
the midnight skies amid the giant cedars like 
s})ectral forms. 

^lystery ])ervades the air. In the distance the 
mo})ing screech-owl hoots at the moon in stern 
detiance. 

The siiaj^ of a twig under foot breaks the 
})rofonnd stillness of the night and a white form 
glides silently away from one of the tents. Down 
the avenue of white and shadowy sentinels steals 
the figure to the mess tent. 

At this juncture a second form enters u}:>on 
the scene. It crawls quietly behind the first 
at a safe distance. 

Painstakingly our first character enters u|ion 
the task of ins])ecting the contents of the bread 

125 


126 SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


box. Finding eveiytliing to bis liking, lie seizes 
upon an iiiAdting looking clinnk and jiroceeds to 
deA^onr it excejit for a piece of crust which he 
carefully de])osits in the shelter nearest the mess 
tent. His Amracions appetite not satisfied AAith 
this tid-bit, he turns to attack a box on top of 
the OA'ertnrned trek cart AAdiich, minus the AAdieels, 
makes an excellent table. Here he finds to his 
eAddent pleasure a supply of jam. At last his 
greed is satiated. He puts the jar sans contents 
into the same place AAdiere he had preAuously put 
the crust. IlaAdng eAudently completed his task, 
he AA^ends his AA^ay back to the tent from AAdiich 
he came. 

The second party now rouses himself to action. 
He runs doAAui to the raA^aged scene at the mess 
tent and attempts to repair some of the damage 
AA’rought by the jiarty of the first part. He then 
picks up the bread crust and the jam bottle and 
coiiA^eys them to the cluni]) of brush already re- 
ferred to and disappears as readily as he came. 

Suddenly a third person makes his aiipearance 
and hastens in the direction of the stream. Ap- 
parently wanting a drink, he leans OA^er a rock 
and stretches his head forth eagerly to AA^et his 
lips, AAdien with a great splash he and the rock 
go OA^er the brink into the torrent. 


BREAKERS AHEAD! 


127 


TTolp, liolp! Ahoy, the camp! ’’ 

Slirimp Roiiiulered frantically about in the 
'*api(ls as a cold chill penetrated his spine. The 
waters were fast prevailing- and he called ont 
wildly for aid from the camp. At intervals he 
wonld clutch a stone, bnt the swift icy-cold water 
would continne to bear him farther down stream. 
To attempt swimming against the current wonld 
have been futile. 

The cam]) was now a scene of disorder. Mr. 
Kavanagh came ont of his tent in his shorts with 
a large flashlight; all the boys following. They 
advanced on the run down along the bank of 
the stream to the ])oint wdiere Shrimp was lying 
in abject misery atop of an immense bonlder 
and endeavoring to sustain himself. Althongh 
he made a des])erate try it was clear that he was 
losing strength. 

It took bnt one glim])se of the sitnation for the 
scoutmaster to ap])reciate the imminent ])eril 
in which the bov had nnwittinglv ])laced himself. 

Go back to cam]) as thongh there were tire 
at yonr heels and bring me the rope coil that 
hangs outside of the mess tent! ’’ lie turned ex- 
citedly and Patrol Leader Pcid started for camp 
on the double (piick. 

Just then a cold shudder ran through the boy^ 


128 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


liis muscles relaxed, and he lay there uncon- 
scious. A sudden rush of water, meeting' no re- 
sistance lifted him liodily and began carrying 
him along at an alarming rate. 

The scoutmaster nervously wiped his foreliead. 

Tliere's a lake — a fairly large one — about 
a hundred yards below. If he goes tloating out 
there we’ll never get him I ’’ A sudden resolve 
entered his mind. Witli a ri}>j)ing sound he tore 
liis shirt from him, brushed aside the luiir from 
his eyes and had almost made a dying leap for 
the water, when — 

Splash ! Another scout had dived in and was 
being borne along with the current. 

Wlio is it?’’ Mr. Kavanagh demanded 
hoarsely, turning to the scouts who pointed at 
the would-l)e rescuer. 

It’s Uonner — Dick ronner I ” thev screamed 
in chorus. 

^ly God,’’ shouted the scoutmaster, he can’t 
swim. What’s become of the rope I sent for? 
Where is it? ” 

And Dick Conner it was, to be sure. In that 
moment — carried away with conscious respon- 
sibility — he had forgotten Shrini])’s insults and 
committed himself to the midniglit waters. He 
permitted himself to be washed along until he 


BREAKERS AHEAD! 


129 


was blit a few feet from the unconscious form. 

Quickly he lunged forward, caught the body, 
and attempted to gain a hold on a stone with 
his free hand. Down, down, further down the 
stream they were swe[)t until they were thrown 
curtly to the side. Dick made a pass for an 
overhanging ti'ee as they skinned by the bank and 
locked his arm about one of the protruding roots. 
A hot cheer rent the air as the onlookers wildly 
congratulated each other on the success of this 
episode. 

Wonderful, my boy,” encouraged the scout- 
master. He now drew breath more easily. 

Hold on ! Keep a stiff ui)])er lip. Here, you 
fellows,” — he turned on two scouts who hap- 
pened to stand near at hand — off' to camp and 
get a roaring fire ready ! ” They were off' before 
one could say scat.” 

For the love o’ ^like,” Dick spluttered, tell 
those guys to put some ginger inter the job. Me 
arm’s numb ’n everything. We’re both soaked to 
the gizzard and jist about as warm as homeless 
pups on the 27th o’ Janyawery. Have a heart — 
will you? ” 

At that moment Blunders returned with the 
ro})e. The scoutmaster grabbed it and making a 
bowline in each end (one around a tree) threw 


ISO 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


one out to Dick. He had not taken tlie trouble 
of gangin^i>' the distance. Consequently he missed 
by a nninl)er of yards. Having failed in the tirst 
attempt, he drew in the ro}>e and hurled it again. 
This time he Avas more fortunate. The rope 
sped true and landed but l)y a margin of a few 
inches from Dick avIio, always alert, sli])ped his 
free arm through it, caught u]> Shrimp more 
securely and gave the signal to haul up. 

The scouts enthusiastically caught hold of the 
rope and in good time the two boys were safe 
on icrm firm a. They had no sooner been Efted 
out than Gordon rolled Shrimi) over on his stom- 
ach, turned his head to one side, i)ulled out his 
tongue and began exerting a pressure on the 
victim's bod}^ in the fleshy region between the 
hips and the ribs. He got down on his knees 
and went through the alternating }>ressure and 
release like a veteran until a gasp from Shrimp 
informed him that the victim was regaining con- 
sciousness. Dick watched for this with anxious 
face.. Then without a word he rolled over on the 
ground — fast aslee}) from exhaustion. 

In a moment four staffs were produced and 
four scouts came on Avith coats Avhich Avere 
promptly buttoned inside out and laid on the 
ground — buttons doAvii — Avith bottoms facing 


BREAKERS AHEAD! 


131 


each other. Staffs were thrust through the arm- 
holes, tlie nocturnal brothers piled on and then 
they were on their way to camp. 

Ul)on their arrival the}^ were swathed in 
blankets and laid before the fire. When Shrimp 
began to show signs of activity Dick was removed 
to his tent, where he dismissed all save Mr. Kav- 
aiiagli. The latter he detained until he thought 
the others a good distance away. He made an 
effoi-t to get up. 

^Wou are chilly,” Mr. Kavanagh said, ‘‘don’t 
get up. What is it, Dick?” 

“ Wouldja please do somethin’ fer me, sir, if 
I ast vou? ” ventured the bov. 

“ AVhv, ves. What is it? ” The scoutmaster 
was greatlv interested. 

“ IMease don’t tell Shrimp as who }^anked him 
out.” The bov’s face was intent. 

A\Tth a start Mr. Kavanagh understood, but 
he nodded cooll}^ and suppressed his emotions 
until he was outside. 

In another moment Dick turned over under 
his blankets — not the least interested in the 
round-robin discussion that ensued — and pro- 
ceeded to disturb the camp with his atrocious 
snoring. 

Shrimp was also taken to his tent, where—- 


132 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


thanks to the hot lemonade that the boys had 
prepared for him — he soon emphasized the fact 
that he was dead to the Avorld, after Dick's exam- 
ple. 

My, oh my,” siMied the scoutmaster when 

t- 7 c- 7 O 

things had been restored to their former peace- 
ful condition, we certainly haye had an eyent- 

7 t. 

fill dawn. Come, yon fellows,” he blurted, get 
what sleep yon can. ^yd, yon come with me.” 

Tlie scouts scampered off at their best and soon 
a wood-sawing ” competition was in progress. 

The two walked placidly down to the mess tent 
to put back the rope. What? Mr. Kayanagh 

could not find words. 

Sydney said nothing, but stood by and smiled 
as the scoutmaster dazedly examined a large 
piece of bread crust and an empty jam jar! 


CHAPTER XI 


THE EEPOKT 

' I '[IE sun peeping out at G :30 next morning 
fonml the camp up and abnstle. Of course, 
the boys had taken their morning wash at a shal- 
low point a short distance below camp and were 
preparing for breakfast. 

Dick, Larry, and Syd were working with the 
Eagle patrol, whose allotted task it was to get 
breakfast ready. 

t/ 

What do we eat?” queried Blunders, who, 
pad in hand, was waiting to make out the requi- 
sition that would go to the scoutmaster, who 
reigned sui)reme at the mess tent. 

Cocoa, bacon and eggs, and biscuits,’^ Syd 
chirped in reply. 

Bight! ” Blunders bolted off for the grub. 
A few minutes later he returned with his arms 
loaded and Sydney began sorting out the uten- 
sils needed. 

To start with, he dissolved the egg and milk 
powder. Then he poured out a gallon of water 
and a half gallon of milk. To this mixture he 

133 


134 > 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


added a teaspoonfiil of cocoa and one of sugar 
for each boy in camp and then one of each extra, 
tliat is, a proportion of a spoon of cocoa and 
one of sugar to every cnp of liquid. This he pnt 
np to boil in the monster coffee pot. 

Dick stood cnrionsly by all the while. 

“ I suppose yon make tea and coffee in the 
same wa3%” he said mnsingly. 

Oh, no! There yon go abont it in another 
wa}\ Yon use the same ainonnt of water and 
coffee or tea, bnt yon add milk and sugar to suit 
yonr taste. It’s advisable to tie np coffee 
gronnds or tea in a little cloth bag and pnt it 
into the water when it has reached the boiling 
point. Even I, in my haste, stirred in the cocoa 
while the water was cold. I should have known 
better.” 

Syd took a large fiyiiig pan, laid the bottom 
full of bacon and pnt it over the grate. He had 
removed the rind in order to prevent the pieces 
from cnrling np, and as they became brown on 
one side he turned them over. AVhen they were 
done he turned them ont into a receptacle and 
placed them near the lire to keep warm. 

Now he concentrated his energies on the 
eggs. He poured the egg batter into the bacon 
fat and stirred it around until it was fried. 


THE REPORT 


135 


The resulting’ scramble he put with the bacon. 

How do you make omelettes or fried eggs? ” 
asked Larry, who had stepped up to get a better 
view of the chef’s labor. 

Just let your batter run into the pan,” Syd- 
ney obliged. When it’s finished on one side, 
turn it over — that’s all. But always have your 
pan greased and hot. If you wish to hard boil 
eggs put them in cold water and bring them to 
boil for twenty minutes. To soft boil them, 
bring your water to a boil first and then leave 
your eggs in for about three minutes.’’ 

Syd fell ui)on a i)int and a half of fiour and 
one and a half heaping teaspoons of baking pow- 
der and commenced mixing them up in a mess 
pan. To this he added half of a heaping tea- 
spoonful of salt. Then he rubbed in a heaping 
tablespoon of Crisco until there were no lumps 
left or any grease adhering to the bottom of 
the pan. Now he stirred in some water until 
he had a firm, stiff dough. Flour was sprinkled 
on the bottom and sides of the pan and on the 
dough itself, which was flapped from side to side. 
Immediately the dough was laid on a board al- 
ready strewn with flour and rolled out to three- 
quarters of an inch thickness. 

Syd took the pan and put that on the grate. 


136 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


Having at last gotten breakfast nnder wav, lie 
exjilained to Dick that in making a twist baked 
on a stick the same kind of dough was used, but 
it was worked into a ribbon and wound s])irally 
around a jieeled greenstick that had been slightly 
charred. F'orthwith the call to come and get 
it was sounded. 

Shrimp and Dick, none the worse for the exjie- 
rience of the night before, did ample justice to 
the meal. 

Mr. Kavanagh seemed glad that everything had 
come through so favorably, and after tents had 
been arranged, dishes cleaned, and cam]) sani- 
tation im])roved, he assembled the boys again. 

Boys, this morning we had an exanij)le of 
the importance of first aid. We are going to 
have an open discussion this morning devoted to 
that subject. I have a reason for taking up the 
work in that particularly roundabout way. I am 
going to call on each scout. When his name is 
called he will talk on some subject of first aid 
not spoken about. It will, obviously, be harder 
on those scouts called later, but it will be, with- 
out doubt, well spent time. I will commence : — 

The primary i)oints to remember in studying 
and practising first aid are : 


1. Keej) cool; 


THE REPORT 


137 


2. Send for a doctor ; 

3. Proceed with first aid. 

Tliese three statements are known as general 
directions for first aid for injuries and should 
be continivall^’ kej)t in mind. 

First scout — Sjdiie}^ I 

ITl take panic prevention. As usual, point 
one of the general directions alwa} s holds good. 
The first one to succnmb to danger is he who 
loses control of hims'elf. If you are in a theater 
and a fire slionld break out you will always find 
some calm person who will hel]) you line uj) the 
excited spectators and march them out. In fact, 
if people would observe the fire* regulations, look 
for the nearest exit, and walk (not run) in case 
of fire to that exit there would be little cause for 
the chaos that usually accompanies a fire. A fire 
occurring behind the scenes is easily shut oft 
b}^ droi)i)ing the asbestos curtain. It is abso- 
lutely essential to (piiet the audience : hence, if 
}) 0 ssible, have the performance continue.’’ 

Dick, have you studied any of this work as 
yet? ” The scoutmaster inquired this in a half- 
hearted way, for he expected a negative answer. 

^^Huh? You betcher I did,” Dick resi)onded 
emphatically. 


138 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


“ I'iiie then — voii're next.’’ 

^lad (logs interest me. I guess it's a known 
fact that a dog when he's ^ off ’ will bite at any- 
thing that's held out to him. All you need to 
do is wrap a coat or rags around your arm, take 
a stick or even a rolled up paper and offer it to 
him and so sure as you’re livin' he'll nip for it. 
Then all vou have to do is soak him over the 
head or introduce your foot to his lower jaw and 
down he goes for the count. That's all.” 

No,” said Mr. Kavanagh, }'ou've forgotten 
something. If the dog lias bitten some one there 
is the danger of contracting Inulrophobia. The 
wound should be immediatelv cauterized with a 
knife or hot iron so that it bleeds freely to prevent 
the sjiread of the poison. This same treatment 
is used in snakebite. But the only two kinds of 

t/ 

venomous snakes are moccasins and rattlers. 
And now, Larrv? ” 

Bunaway horse,” said Larry. To stop a 
runaway do not run out before him and wave 
your arms, as that will only cause him to plunge 
to the side and bolt all the faster. Bun along 
side of him and pull back the reins or head him 
to a wall. The pain of the bridle pressing 
against his jaws will force him to stop.” 
Shrimp?” 


THE REPORT 


139 


If a fellow should fall tlironoli the ice — 
which he should not,” Shriiu}) beoan; 

A snicker was heard all 'round and a voice 
to call out : Perpetual nuisance busy again. 

Ilow-how I 

Shrimp went on. Naturally, the first thing 
to do is get him out. Don’t walk out to the edge 
of the ice, because it might crack under your 
weight. Crawl out lying fiat so as to distribute 
your weight over a l)roader surface and push a 
board or staff out ahead of von. Let the fellow 
in the water catch hold of it and then it will 
be an easy matter to pull him out.” 

Fractures,” Willard replied in answer to the 
scoutmaster's call. A fracture is the breaking 
of a bone. The two kinds are simple and com- 
pound. Simple fracture happens when a bone 
breaks inside the flesh without penetrating to the 
surface. The latter is more serious because the 
bone tears through. Of course, where this is 
true you first have to treat for injuries in which 
the skin is broken. Then straighten out the 
broken limb, putting the bone in place, apply 
a pad of cotton, and affix splints and bandage. 
Fracture is usually accompanied by shock.” 
Well, Gordon? ” 

Bruises and sprains. One is caused by a 


140 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


hard kiioc*k, the other by tlie wrench ins; of a liga- 
ment. In the first case the skin is torn, scraped 
and sore, but in si)rains this is not so. Elinor 
accidents of tliis nature ai'e easil}' rigiited by 
painting affected parts witli iodine. Otherwise 
a])ply clotlis wrung out in veiw hot or very cold 
water. Tlie limb affected should be rested and 
suffered to move as little as i)ossible. This same 
treatment is used in dislocation. A scout should 
not attempt to put the bone that has slipi)ed out 
of its socket into j)lace, but leave that for a 
doctor, as it is severely painful to the one having 
the dislocation.” 

Ai)oplexy is due to the pressure of blood on 
the brain or to the direct rupture of a blood 
vessel and the consequent flushing of the brain. 
The eyes are dilated and the face is red. Breath- 
ing is snoring, pulse is slow and full, and uncon- 
sciousness comi)lete. l^sually one side of the 
body is paralyzed. Often drunkenness is con- 
fused with apojdexy, but where there are any 
doubts, treat for the latter.” 

In freezing one must act carefully. Take the 
victim into a cold room and rub him with rough 
cloths soaked in cold water to restore circulation. 


THE REPORT 


141 


Gradually the teiii])erature of the room and water 
should l)e iiiereased. When he is sufficiently 
recovered j)lace him before a tire or in a hot bath. 
P^rost bite is only a minor case of freezin<^ and is 
treated similarly." 

t. 

Howard? ” 

ril speak on three easy subjects — any objec- 
tions? ’’ 

None at all," ]Mr. Kavanagh rejoined. Fat 
men like easy tasks." 

AVell then," said Itlunders, here goes. Sun- 
burn is easy to prevent by greasing the skin be- 
fore exi)osure to the sun and hardening it with 
powder soon after. 

Ivy })oisoning is better to avoid than cure. 
thick j)aste of carbolized vaseline or of baking 
soda and water helps considerable. 

liites and stings are often soothed by admin- 
istering plain household ammonia or even mud.” 

IHchard?” 

1 think ITl follow Keid's example and talk 
on two subjects. Earache and toothache often 
mean serious trouble and should be treated by 
the doctor or dentist. Both are often cured by 
applying hot bottles or cloths to affected parts. 
A few drops of oil of cloves will help in tooth- 
ache. Some sweet oil heated as hot as one can 


11-2 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


stand helps much to overcome difficulties in ear- 
ache. After the oil is in the ear it is good to plug 
np the holes with cotton.’’ 

Paul, what have you to say? ” 

Something, I assume. Let ns say a scout has 
something in his eve. Pub the lid a little to 
start the tears. Poll the lid back over a match 
and have him move the eye around. This will 
- usually bring the foreign body to where it can 
be removed with the end of a handkerchief. A 
drop of castor oil will soothe the eye.” 

Charles of the bloody wrist will now oblige,” 
declared Mr. Kavanagh to his scouts’ amusement. 

I presume,” said Charles, everybody at some 
time or other has felt the comforting pangs of a 
cramp or stomach ache. This i)leasant condition 
usually follows a meal cooked by scouts — ” 

A howl of protestation rose from the ruffled 
Eagles. Hisses and cat calls all mingled into 
one terrifying din. 

Peppermint in hot tea, rubbing, or hot bot- 
tles,” Paul resumed to lead the scouts off the 
matter. 

That’ll do,” announced the scoutmaster. He 
crossed his arms and stared around at the bovs. 

C/ 

Carefully he cleared his voice and assumed a 
more businesslike demeanor, 


THE REPORT 


1 i3 

Boys,” said Mr. Kavaiiagli gravely, the first 
aid work that Ave do in scon ting is but secondary 
to other aims. We try to develop in you a sense 
of honor. I fear that I have some disagreeable 
task in hand to see through. Last night — ” 

A boy in front of him flinched. 

Last night, ” ^Ir. Kavanagh repeated, 
proved an interesting one for all of us for two 
reasons, the precise eireumstances of wliicii you 
are, I trust, already acquainted witli. P^irst a 
highly colored rescue of a certain young gentle- 
man in this camp. AVe have been asked l)y the 
rescuer not to disclose Ids identitv to the rescued 
and I sincerelv ask each and every one of von not 
to divulge the secret. AVe mean to comply with 
his request.” lie at once ap])eared to be more 
severe. And a midnight raid on the mess tent.” 
The listenei's became hushed as night. 
Blankly the boA^s looked at each other save one, 
Avho bent his (wes down and up uoav and then 
and glanced furtivelv around him. 

Boys,” smiled the scoutmastei', the secret 
service s^^stem in this camp is infallible. The 
funniest part about this is I knoAV Avho the cul- 
prit is, but I am not going to subject him to 
public criticism and reproof.” 

A AvaA^e of anger SAvept through camp. Bit- 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


lit 

ter remarks were to be lieard on every side. 
Who is he? insisted Willard F^ranklin. 

8yd was rij^lit: any fellow who does aiiythiim 
like that on.iiht to stop beiiif>: a scout.” 

lOnongh ! ’’ The scoutmaster silenced him 
and cnt the ar<;nment short. AVe all make mis- 
takes sometimes. Then why pick on the i»nilty 
scout for acting’ unwisely? ITis motive in ])ei- 
petrating the act, notwithstanding, could have 
been none other than animosity and a feeling of 
getting s(iiiare on a scout for Avhom he had no 
grounds on which to base a grudge. 

I"or this alone am I against the delinquent. 
After having eaten a meal such as he did he could 
have entertained no other object possible in 
mind. But I am going to give this scout another 
chance to make good I 

The scoutmaster's harshness disappeared as 
readily as he had assumed it. 

I think we'll drop this unpleasant discussion 
and have something that will undoubtedly con- 
cern us more directly : scouts’ records.” 

«. 

8ome one proposed three cheers for Mr. Kav- 
anagh and all went to it lustily. 

Thank you,’’ smiled the scoutmaster. Be- 
fore I read the records it gives me satisfaction to 
say that the night after our meeting the Conner 


THE REPORT 


145 


brothers came to my home and passed their Ten- 
derfoot examination in a way highly compli- 
mentary to them. They are now members of the 
Eagle patrol.” 

All eyes were for the time focused on the yonths 
spoken of. Howard Keid treated the assignment 
v»dtli his nsnal levity and comj)osnre. 

“ Now for the cards of fate I ” (pioted the scont- 
master. Every boy held np his respiratory func- 
tion as ^Ir. Kavanagh plunged his hand into the 
honorable brief case and brought out a j)ack of 
cards bearing, as tlie scouts strongly alleged, a 
frightful resemblance to those distributed every 
live weeks at the high school. 

Eagle ])atrol I ” there was a silence so pro- 
found that one might have heard a pin drop. 

Total nninber of common i)oints awarded to 
date, twelve. Two extra points awarded by way 
of special mention for life saving to one of its 
scouts. I might also assert that I was well 
pleased with the demonstration of nnseltish brav- 
ery and excellency of dispatch entailed in the 
nndertaking. 

Grand total : fourteen! 

ranther patrol : ten ! 

Pine-tree ])atrol ; fifteen ! ’’ 

There was a (h^al of shiillling as the Pine-tree 


146 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


josliingly slapi^^ed each other on the backs and 
quibbled with the inein])ers of tlie less fortunate 
patrols. Shrimp alone sat dispirited by trying 
to appear disinterested. 

Hold on, thaCs not all,” ]Mr. Kavanagh 
warned, two points have been deducted for mis- 
conduct by one of its members, thereby lowering 
the total to thirteen.’’ 

At once the celebration switched to the Flagles, 
leaving the Pine-trees swamped in melancholy. 
Willard shot a knowing and ardently antagon- 
istic glance at the scont responsible for the calam- 
ity, but said nothing. Nevertheless he Avas exas- 
perated. 

Bears : twelve points I I shall not make 
known the scouts' individual standing until the 
presentation of the medal, Avhich will take place 
in September after we get back from camp,” the 
scoutmaster added. 

Slowly the boys dispelled the look of anticipa- 
tion that seemed general and took on a more 
somber appearance of disappointment. Not- 
withstanding, they broke np Avithont a Avmrd and 
Avent about enjoying their rests according to the 
taste of their several varied fancies. 

Dick seemed to have cast the matter of the 
rescue into utter oblivion until he felt a hand 


THE REPORT 


147 


resting on his shoulder and heard a gentle voice 
ask : How's onr danntless hero after his mar- 

velous midnight escapade?” 

He whirled about amazed to find the senior 
patrol leader fraternally resting his hand on his 
shoulder. Dick was taken completely off his 
guard. Truly, Syd had always acted warmly 
towards him, bnt why this sndden display? The 
boy conld not have felt differently if Syd had 
taken it upon himself to render a more profnse 
demonstration and fallen on his neck and em- 
braced him. Syd had by this time become the 
idol of the Conners’ and the object of their per- 
petual worship. 

Syd had done some heavy thinking that morn- 
ing. At first he had been inclined to consider 
Dick more or less of a queer card, requiring bnt 
a little hnmoring to keep him going. Shrimp, 
on the contrary, he had always looked np to as a 
model and highly praiseworthy. Bnt last night’s 
events had had an evolutionary effect on his 
ideas. 

Cracke}^,” he told himself when he had been 
alone a little while before. I don’t know just 
whv — I can't convince myself — and vet I am 
beginning to like that ^ liiiffian.’ He's a toi)i)er 
in my class in school. Any fellow who can do a 


148 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


job like that and then keep quiet about it is a 
real seont ; the type that I have cynically declared 
does not exist I 

Shrimp Avas of Avealthy parents and had every- 
thin<>’ that his heart desired. Was that any rea- 
son n])on Ayhich to base a hatred for a boy Avho, 
though perhaps a tribe nnconth and boisterous, 
Avorked for his meager earnings, bnt strove 
Avithal to n])hold his scout feeling? Syd could 
see in the supercilious attitude of his former 
friend only gross injustice. It Avas Avitli that 
impnlse that he had aj)proached Dick. 

‘M)h, aAvright," Dick rejoined confusedly. 
‘‘ When I hit de Avater I got a freaky shock, bnt 
I got oxev dat easy binff. Say, don't Shrimp act 
bossy thongh? Bnt I guess he'll come around 
Avheii Ave get better ac(piainted. An' I don't 
Avantcha to tell him as who tished him out! '’ 

Svd laughed Avith derision. 

‘‘ Shncks,'' he returned, the cad AA'onld only 
scoff and make matters Avorse if 1 Avas to tell 
him.” 


CHAPTER XII 


VIVE LA COOKEKY SCOUT! 

^T^IIEKE was a second i)ersoii whose beliefs 
coincided with his. That was Mr. Kav- 
anagh. As principal of the high school, he knew 
Shrinij) to be a snob to those beneath his station. 
]Many of the bovs had come to him with such com- 
plaints. He was lenient des])ite everything and 
let these reports })ass him as a matter of course, 
lie likewise knew Dick's father to be just like his 
bovs : a good, faithful worker and readv to take 
a greater share of teasing from the boys of the 
school than anv one he had ever known. 

But Shrimp's double enteri)rise of the night be- 
fore had removed all standing doubts. So 
thought the scoutmaster as he sat in his tent dur- 
ing the rest period. 

Certainly," he eventually exclaimed with 
resolution. I will. That Dick is as much de- 
serving of an honor medal as any one ever was. 
Naturally " — he chuckled at the thought — 
there will l)e some that it will thoroughly rouse 

to see — but what's the use'.^’’ With that, he 

149 


150 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


ruiiiinaged out the cards, and perused them care- 
fully. Fh'oiii time to time he appeared to hold 
debate with himself over certain cards, but in- 
variably came out the winner. 

When the whistle blew at the end of the fifteen 
minute respite the boys could not detect any 
change in their leader's usual straightforward, 
frank, congenial manner. FT*om all outward ap- 
l)earances he was the identical person, although 
Shrimp seemed to be of the opinion that Mr. Kav- 
anagh’s mouth twitched omiuously whenever his 
eyes roamed by chance into his neighborhood. 

Was Shrimp aware of the fact that he had done 
wrong? Of course he was! lie, as well as the 
scoutmaster, understood that Avhen the latter said 
that he Avas to have another chance it meant that 
the perpetrator of the misdoing Avas to come and 
explain matters. But he had neglected to do so 
and dreaded to dwell on the suppositions of Avhat 
might develop. He Avell kneAV Avith Avhoni he had 
to deal and feared him. 

We’A'e had enough of lecturing,’’ spoke the 
scoutmaster. Noav, you scouts hustle around 
until dinner is ready. As usual, the task of pre- 
paring it Avill go to' the Eagle patrol.” He 
smiled blankly. 


VIVE LA COOKERY SCOUT! 


151 


Aw ! ” The Eagles gTumlhed at sound of 
their name, evidently holding it unfair that the 
work should all be laid on the shoulders of 
one patrol. All those mentioned got to work, 
however, while the remainder sauntered slowly 
olf. 

Syd, in the meantime cooked a stew. Having 
laid his hands on a large chnnk of meat, he cut it 
into little cubes and rubbed them well in salt 
and ])cpper. He poured the contents of a can 
of SOU]) into a pot and added the meat cubes, 
some potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, and an onion 
chopped into small j)ieces : also some lima beans. 
This concoction he put over the fire. 

What\s that you just put up? ” Dick came 
up with one of his intermittently recurring inter- 
rogations. 

Just Mulligan stew,” condescended the senior 
patrol leader dryly, half absorbed in a far-away 
reminiscence. 

Say, how do you make game? ’’ inquired th(3 
cooking enthusiast. 

The same way as you make fowl,” answered 
the cook, coming to his full facilities at the same 
time. In the case of the first you remove the 
skin and otherwise ])luck the other. Keinove 
head and insides and clean well by washing. 


152 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


Tlieii you can either fry it or roast it on a spit 
as yon i)lease.” 

How about tisli, though? Yon wouldn’t pre- 
l)are tliat in the same Avay — would yon? ” 

No — not quite, yon remove head and insides 
as ordinarily; the bones also. Then scrajie well 
and wash. After that von can cook it like fowl 

t. 

or game. It tastes swell when baked with slice<t 

tomatoes and salt and j)epj)er.” 

With that Svd turned to bnsv himself wiih 
* «. 

some i»riddle cakes. First he measured off seven 
teas])Oonfnls of egg powder, as many tablespoon- 
fnls of sugar, and seven cups of diluted condensed 
milk and made them into a thin creamv batter. 
He greased and heated the large griddle pan 
and i)resently the meal was ready. 

The remainder of that day i)assed without par- 
ticular note, and that evening — their hike at an 
end — they were liack once more in Clayville. 


CHAPTER XIII 


IN WHICH A VEHY IMPORTANT 
TRIUMVIRATE COMES 
INTO BEING 

OATURDAY was a busy day for Dick and 
^ Larry. In the moriiiiig they hel})ed their 
father clean off the high school campus and trim 
the hedges tliat surrounded the school, and in tlie 
afternoon went to i)erforni the round of chores 
for which they received a fair compensation. 

It was well on to four o’clock when Dick, hav- 
ing finished his work, sat morosely on the fence 
of his home kicking his feet aimlessly. All at 
once lie heard a shrill whistle and looked up to- 
see Syd coming down the road to him on a 
bicvcle. 

c. 

Hey, Dick,” greeted the boy, who seemed 
worked up over something, you and your 
brother have bicycles, haven’t you?” 

Yea,” the boy answered, aroused by curios- 
ity, Why? ” 

I have just been over to Mr. Kavanagh and 

he showed me the notice about the big county 

163 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


rally that’s to come olf on July 4tli,’’ Syd ex- 
] dallied hastily. We talked it over and have 
decided that we'll get np a few tricks and dis- 
jdays that might put ns in line for the silk flag 
that is to be offered as first i)rize. We’ll make a 
fine showing, I am sure, with every scout in full 
e(piipment and uniform — 

Dick’s head dropped low for a moment, but 
was not raised quickly enough to escape Syd’s 
notice. Syd saw him falter and guessed the 
cause. 

Oh, don’t woriy, old top,” he said good na- 
tnredly, we can fix that up all right. It’s only 
June 1st now and Ave have a whole month or more 
before ns. lint for the tricks that we have con- 
tenii)lated having, Shrimp and I have some speed, 
so Ave have agreed to enter the obstacle race. AVe 
have to run sixty yards, climb a tAventj^-foot rope, 
run still another sixty yards, tie three knots as 
directed, and bring another scout all the Avay 
back Avith the fireman’s drag.” 

Dick drank it all in. Just then Larrv came 
up. Syd nodded to him, and he took a seat 
beside his brother, anxious to hear the neAvs. 

Noav for the ]>art that you are going to play. 
AVe are going to practise forming a signaling 
pyramid on bicycles while in motion. It’s going 


A VERY IMPORTANT TRIUMVIRATE 155 


to be a difficult task, but can be accomplished if 
we get three fellows Avho can keep a fixed inter- 
val while riding bicycles. Do von think yon 
could do it?” lie looked over his customers. 

Mebbe, with practice,” they answered. 

That’s the spirit. We’ll take the rest up at 
the meeting to-night. So long! ” Svd bounced 
joyfully into his saddle and was soon tiding down 
the road at a jolly clij). Taking the next street 
to the right, he turned and headed straight for 
Mr. Kavanagh’s house. 

^Ms ^Ir. Kayanagh in? ” he politely inquired 
of the scoutmaster’s wife, who answered the door 
bell. 

Yes, Sydney, 3 ^oudl find him in the library 
with Mr. Mars.” 

Syd was therefore in better luck than he had 
counted on. 

The two gentlemen nodded as he entered. 
^Mlello, Syd, why back so soon? Come; get a 
chair and pull over here,” smiled the scoutmaster. 
AVell,” he began when Syd had seated himself, 
what can we do for you? ” 

Am I intruding? ” apologized Syd, hastily. 

Not at all, my boy,” the scoutmaster assured 
him. ^^What is it?” 

Well — ” Syd took on a more important air 


156 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


— T just saw the roniiers’ al)out the coming 
rally ami accidentally dis('oyercd that they are 

« t * 

(jiiite (*nt iij) oyer not haying nniforms. They 
are (juite poor, yon know. Don't yon helieye 
th(n*e's a way of onr ])itching together and hny- 
iiu2‘ tin in two nniforms. T haye hye dollars sayed 
that I'd <>ladly contribute to the cause.” 

['ll make it ten,” slionted the assistant scout- 
master, iliying into his luicket and bringing nj) a 
cris]) liye-dollar bank note. 

‘DTnst hand oyer the ten and I'll add the rest 
and attend to the jmrchasing thereof,'’ lastly yol- 
nnteered the scoutmaster. It's line of yon to 
haye thought of it, Sydney. They certainly 
haye earned them; Dick particularly. We shall 
consider his brayery a reason for awarding the 
nniforms. To treat them wholly as objects of 
charity would be olTensiye.” 

To be sure it Ayonld added Sydiuw. Their 
age sizes are fourteen and sixteen. Aboye all, 
mum's the word.” 

Certainly,” tlie two acapiiesced in accord. 
And so ended the negotiations inyolyed so far as 
the (’onners' nniforms were concerned. 

Now I haye a little snriirise in hand for yon, 
young man I ” 

Tlie scoutmaster handed Sydney a formal ap- 


A VERY IMPORTANT TRIUMVIRATE 157 


])lic*ati()ii f()i‘ an lioiior medal, already signed by 
both the gentlemen. 


Will Yon sign 


as the third witness?’’ 


Mr. 


Kavanagh asked. 

I shonld say so,’’ Syd replied. “ I low conld 
1 do otherwise I” Suiting the action to the 
words, he graciously accepted the fountain pen 
olfered him by the leader and affixed his signa- 

«. <, 7 ? 

tnre to the paper. 

‘‘ I have an a])|)ointment with the county com- 
missioner that will take me into New York to- 
night. We are to iiiecd Janies P]. West,” Mr. 
Kavanagh said, looking at the clock on the book 
case. I shan't be back before to-morrow night. 
Obviously, Mr. Mars will act in mv absence.” 
Sydney thanked them and left the house, 
llnoyed np with his scoutmaster’s thorongh liber- 
ality, he rode whistling along Koydit xVvenue. 


CHAPTER XIV 


FlllE ! 

QYDNEY was inclined to be very observant at 
^ all times. Even now as lie coasted leisurely 
along he glanced instinctively from left to right. 

At the corner of Smithlield and llovdit Ave- 
lines he was arrested by a curling whisp of blne- 
gra}^ smoke that seemed to come from the direc- 
tion of the kitchen of Old Lady ” Chnrchiirs 

t/ 

cottage. In this little frame building lived an 
old woman of sixtv-five and her fifteen-A^ear- 
old granddaughter, Lizzie. Syd kneAV that the 
Avonian was in the habit of bnrning piles of waste 
paper and other refuse in the A’acant lot behind 
the house ; but that smoke surely did look singu- 
larly out of the ordinary. 

t. c 

Without a moment's hesitation he dismounted 
and ran up the alleyway to the rear of the cot- 
tage. One look Avas enough. The kitchen was 
in dames, but had, up until now, failed to excite 
any one’s attention. 

Syd ran swiftly down the street to the tire 

alarm box, opened the door Avith a turn to the 

15 § 


FIRE! 


159 


right and pnlled down the ring. Now, slightly 
relieved, he made once more for the house. 

Where are Mrs. Chnrehill and Fllizabeth? 

He thonght for a moment and then went pale. 
The old woman was nndonhtedly upstairs in her 
room, having her afternoon nap, as she was wont 
to do. And as for IMizabeth — was she not con- 
lined to her bed because of an acute attack of 
rhenmatisni? 

lie plunged through the front door and saw to 
his horror that the llames had already made con- 

t/ 

siderable headway and soon threatened to be all 
over the ground floor. lie closed tlie door after 
him, slammed the windows shut, and ran np the 
stairs to the bathroom. He soaked his handker- 
chief and tied it around his mouth and nose. 

The smoke had already started to have an 
asphyxiating intluence on him. By this time 
tlie engines had arrived and as the hose were 
]irom]>tiy coupled to the hydrants, a crowd iM'gaii 
to collect outside. 

Tmaaine Syd's terror when he found tliat the 
doors of the bedrooms were locked. And to make 
matters worse, the red tongues were already lick- 
iim- areedily at the stairs and banisters. 

How could he get to the inmates? Had they 
been overcome by the dense smoke or were they 


160 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


sleeping in ignorance of their peril? With a 
jnni]> lie liegan to descend the burning stair^va3^ 
The cellar; that Avas his goal I He Avonld surely 
find an ax there. A stream of Avater craslied 
tlirongh one of the AvindoAA’S, but alas! The 
Haines had alreadA^ Avu'onght their destruction. 
The loAAer lloor Avas little more than smolder- 
ing ruins, and it AA'as apparent that the second 
story AA’ould collajise any niinnte. 

Tint Svd Avas back Avith his ax. Witliout 

much ado he crashed doAvn tlie door of tlie old 

lady’s bedroom to lind lier oyercome as he had 

surmised. In a jiffy he made a rojie of the bed 

clothes and slipping tlie liOAAdine under the yic- 

tim's arms he tied one end of tlie improyised rope 

to the Ayall betAyeen the tAyo AyindoAys and loAV'ered 

/ 

h('r to the firemen beneath the AAundoAy, some of 
Ayhom had commenced to enter the house Ayith 
their J pyrenes. 

That lieing done, he rushed to the next door and 
];lied his ax manfully. Just as the last spar 
gaye AAaA" a tremendous crash resounded. The 
stairs had fallen together, leaying only some 
black, charred stumps. Despair seized him as 
he felt the cottage quake and SAAmy dizzily. He 
rushed, heedless of his oaa ii burns and blisters, 
to the AyindoAy and placed his head out. 


FIRE! 


161 


The remains of wliat was once a ])orch roof 
extended ont to tlie street, lie slionted and two 
tirenien came n]). 

Jnmp^ fool/’ they cried, stretching 

ont their* arms as if to lielp 1)reak his fall. 

^MJet a net, for God's sake,” he answered 
weakly. The smoke was having its effect now 
and all the moisture in Ids handkerchief had 
been absorbed. 

Like a tiash they were off. 

♦ ■ 

As Syd ]>ansed for a moment a shooting pain 
went \\\) his leg. He looked down to see the 
floor l)nrning’ and his own socks and trousers 
aflre. In a moment he beat the flames ont with 
liis hands. l>nt then a horrible sight met his 
eyes. The bed on which the girl was lying- had 
also begnn to bnrii. He ])icked nj) the limp form, 
rolled it np in a car])et and made for the window. 
xVll he had was a yagne 0 })tical illusion of half a 
dozen men holding a net. He carried his in- 

■ft. 

creasing burden to the end of the roof, missed 
his footing and — 

When he awakened he found a flreman working 
oyer him with a flrst aid kit. A policeman was 
busy holding back the crowd tliat surged to and 
fro cheering — for whom? lie smiled cnrionsly 
as the fireman nibbed his arm with oil. Then 


162 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 



He carried his burden to the end of the roof, 


FIRE! 


163 


lie applied a large piece of gauze with carbolized 
vaseline rubbed on and began bandaging* 

Gee/’ laughed Syd, that’s the treatment 
for burns and scalds. How are the women? ” 
He turned on the would-be first aider. 

The answer was a rousing slap on the bade 
and the man helped him to his feet. What was 
once a cottage was now a state of utter ruina- 
tion. 

Fine, my boy/’ said the fireman. That Avas 
a man's piece of Avork you did. They are all 
right and except for this arm o’ yourn you’re well 
nigh unscathed.” 

Syd slijiped modestly aAvay after eagerly 
searching the s])ectators and, getting on his Avheel, 
made for home. As he AA^eiit his Avay a rather 
jovial looking person detached himself from the 
croAvd and made his Avay to another neat frame 
house on Roydit Avenue. 


CHAPTER XV 


IX WHICH AX ALTEKCATIOX TAKES 

PLACE 

HEPE be YOU scouts goiii’ ter-iii,i>ht? 

^ ^ asked ^fr. Conner of the boys upon see- 
ing how they hustled to polish themselves nj) so 
soon after they had eaten their evening meal and 
disposed of the dishes. 

Pig meetiiE to-night/’ the older boy returned 
as he hastened to coax a brighter shine onto his 
shoes. Get a move on there, yon bloke I ” he 
turned to Larry and thumped him deliberately 
in the side. 

Humph ! ” Mr. Conner tilled his traditional 
clay j)ipe to the rinp tamped it down neatly, 
trimmed the edges and went out on the front 
porch to enjoy a (piiet smoke. It was here that, 
blossoming forth in new beauty, his sons found 
him })eacefully putting away. Each took a gentle 
farewell whack at him and then they went oil 
arm in arm. 

At the cabin they found Willard, Blunders, 

104 


AN ALTERCATION TAKES PLACE 165 


Shrimp, S>(1, Gordon and Fred in hot debate 
on a subject over which it seemed none conld 
come on terms. 

‘Gllp the idea is preposterous: absolutely ab- 
surd,” Shrimp reasoned, put that fool, Dick, 
as the middle man on the bicycles? Why, it's 
nothing short of queering the entire formation ! ’’ 
Jnst then his glance hat)i)ened in the vicinity 
of the door. He imniediatelv settled down with 
the air of Little Tranquility.” 

Safe to say, Dick and his brother had seen, 
heard, and understood. The others went about 
reading over the Bov’s Life ” collection in the 
cabin librarv trving their utmost at the same time 
to appear indifterent to circumstances. Dick 
and Larry greeted all. cheerily, notwithstanding, 
and judiciously followed their example rather 
than provoke an argiiment. 

The elder Conner while })oring over the hand- 


book that he incidentallv laid his hands on 

€/ 

chanced to let his eyes fall on : — he is a friend 

to all and a brother to every other scont.” Look- 
ing over in Shrimp's direction he heaved a sigh 
of consternation. Perhaps if we were able to 
read his thought we would think as he did. 

Gee, I suppose that gazabo is considered a 
model scont. lie toilers the good book to a T 


166 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


I don’t think.” ITis face suddenly took on an 
expressive appearance of irony. 

Why did he hafta — ” 

It’s almost time that we got things going,” 
observed ^Ir. Jason Mars after clearing his voice 
in the painfnl manner so Avell known to the boys. 

]Mr. Kavanagh is awa}^ to-night on business, so, 
Svdiiev ” — he turned to address the senior 
patrol leader — commence the meeting.” 

The bovs had been so al)Sorbed in reading that 
they had not seen nor heard the cabin gradually 
lill lip. 

Syd thereupon took his place with as much dig- 
nity as he could muster and sent the troop 
throngh the opening formalities. 

‘‘ There is a surprise in store to-night, so let’s 
hurry everjTliing else along and dispense with 
all nnneccssaries. Are there any technicalities 
pertaining to scouting that aii}^ of A’oii would like 
to have cleaned up? ” 

There was no answer. 

Then for the iironiisel ” The boys automat- 
ically straightened ii}) their faces, taking on more 
animated expressions. County Commissioner 
Henry Stirling has called a rally for July 4th 
at Heecher Ihirk. He expects all troops to turn 
out in full strength I ” 


AN ALTERCATION TAKES PLACE 167 


The noise that those hoys produeecl within the 
next two minntes conhl have easily been mistaken 

t/ 

for a liang of steel riveters at work. 

What — who said so — do we — what’re we 
gonna — whee I that's tine, hnt — Say, Syd, if ’’ 
— etc. 

Syd sat hack with perfect complacency to 
await the end of the fusillade. Eventually they 
became tired, so he made an effort to speak : 

I want each and every one of von to con- 
tribute something to the disjdays. There will 
be tents erected where wood carvings, bird 
houses, benches, home-made equipment, draw- 
ings, inventions and innumerable other things 
will be judged. The prizes to be awarded are: 
first, a silk flag to the troop with the best all- 
round showing; secondly, a medal for the best 
showing of individual scout ; and thirdly, the red, 
white and blue ribbons for third, second and 
first places in the displa}\s. Of course, there will 
be numerous awards otherwise, to scouts who 
have already done extraordinary feats or cpual- 
ifled for their next classes in scouting. As its 
part of the program this troop will erect a model 
camj) and form a signaling ])yramid on moving 
bicycles. Shrimp, Dick and Larry will ride the 
bicycles.” 


168 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


He consulted an outline that he had prepared. 

Gordon and nivself will be the next two 
above and lastly Willard Franklin will complete 
the formation with the fla^s. That ought to 
prove a natty performance — what? 

WeTl all go to the rally on bicycles. Our 
ontlit shall consist of the regulation uniform, the 
troop’s blue neckerchiefs, belt inside of coat, 
and full field eiinipment. AVe'll have the trek 
cart along Avitli all onr camping supplies and 
staves, ^^>ar the right badges on your hats.” 

Who's going to carry the flags on their 
l)ikes? ” a scout suggested. 

Shrimp sat up, for on former occasions it had 
been his exclusiAT privilege to carry the troop 
flag. 

F^or that,” Syd answered, I appoint the 
f'onner l)rothers. Tlie older boy will bear the 
American flag and Larry will take tlie troop flag. 
Patrol leaders will of course have their res})ectiA’e 
patrol emblems to ^ contend ’ with. Get that 
^ contend,’ ” lie ejaculated with a cough. 

Slirimp got to his feet angrily and confronted 
the senior patrol leader, Avliose arrangement had 
evidently dissatisfled him. 

Just a moment,’’ he yelled, ‘Gx fine picture 


AN ALTERCATION TAKES PLACE 169 


they’ll make leading the troop without niiiforms. 
Why — ” 

Sit down ! ’’ Syd bellowed. 

Shrimp went on in opposition to the chair. 

If yon don’t withdraw what you’ye said I 
don’t go to the rally.” He looked at the boys, 
who shifted a bit uneasily. Howeyer, it was 
clearh^ stamped eyerywhere ; they disagreed with 
him. Still they feared to speak their o])inions 
one way or the other. Syd Ayas a bully cam])er, 
a Jim Dandy felloAy, and a cracker-jack conii)an- 
ion and many were the good times they had to- 
gether under canyas. Here was Shrimp, also a 
jolly felloAy, comjdetely “ off the Aying,’’ as Wil- 
lard afterAvards declared. 

Syd slammed the gayel to. attract the enraged 
scouCs attention. 

A"on cad,” he stormed, forgetful at that mo- 
ment of eyerything else, as long as I occu])y 
the chair here proper respect Asill be accorded 
me ! Yon aa ill not go not because yon dislike to, 
but because I forbid yon to — you nngratefnl 
felloAy. Fnrthei'inore, they shall not go nnnni- 
fornied if yon haye to lend Dick yonr oAvn I Hoav 
many scouts think my treatment of Shrimp un- 
fair? P 


170 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


Not a l)oy responded. 

Shrimp, his countenance enveloped in a flash of 
shame, recoiled into liis seat and was iiinte for 
the remainder of the evening'. 

Yon Avill give yonr patrol flag to Willard and 
get out of the exercises too," Syd annonnced 
nltimatelv. 

Next day being Sunday, Avith no particular 
Avork in hand, Syd personally summoned the 
scouts AA'ho Avere to i)articipate in the fleld Avork 
and took them out to a level space on the campus 
behind the school. 

Flere, felloAvs," he said AAdien all had shown 
np, I've thonght of a iieAV Avay of Avorking this. 
Dick, yon and Larry Avill be on the Avheels with 
Benson and McKeever, avIio Avill respecth^ely 
kneel on vonr handle bars and resting his out- 
side hand on his AAdieel-man's shoulder Avill clasp 
the other's hand across the center. I'll be be- 
tAveen the tAvo bikes to keep them an equal dis- 
tance apart. I'll hang on to the middle bar of 
one bike Avith my feet and I'll grasp tliat of the 
other Avith my hands, face doAvn. I learned Iioav 
to remain stiff and Arm in the gvm. Willard 
Avill then step on to my back and, leaning against 
the railing made by Benson and McKeever's hold- 
ing hands, will signal a short Avord in semaphore. 


AN ALTERCATION TAKES PLACE 


171 


and then jump off. Fellows will, of course, not 
liold ns when we start. That we'll have to dope 
out ourselves. If this thing comes off right it 
will be a genuine Barnnm-Bailey stunt — see?” 

They whistled, but explained that they under- 
stood. Practice began immediately and Svd 
fairly despaired of Willard's ever stepi)ing on 
him lightly. Twice he jumped on him with such 
jars that the senior patrol leader collapsed alto- 
gether and swe])t some dust off' the ground before 
Willard could gain his composure. Notwith- 
standing he hung on to the job doggedly. 

Two hours later with clothes much the worse 
for the experience they pulled themselves out of 
a puzzling knot on the ground resembling a 
scrimmage, and Syd, staggering like a man con- 
taining an overabundance of soda water, called 
practice to an end. 

Phew — that’ll 1/e ’nuff for to-day. Be here 
after school to-morrow : three-thirW to be more 
definite, and we'll try to assassinate each other 
again. G'wan and scatter! ” he stammered. 

For half of them home was the first inspira- 
tion. Dick, Larry and Syd, however, squatted 
on the ground to reassemble their disjointed 
limbs. Dick sat shyly by admiring Syd. Jim- 
minv whiskers," lie said to himself, '' why ain't 


172 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


all guys like liiiii? He’s a ace o’ trumps and 
man clean throni»li to the backljone. I Avislit I 
could pass examinations like lie does.” 

An idea struck him forcibh^ ‘Mlee, AA^hat did 
he mean Avhen he said dat Ave AA^onldn't go to the 
rail A" AA'idont uniforms? I’m clean daffA% but I 
ain’t got none nor neither has th’ kid. Some- 
thin’ 11]) his sleeA'e — eh?” He looked (jnizzi- 
cally at Larry, but he too A\as AvalloAAing in 
Avonder. 

Sy.l eA^eiitiially got up to go. Wait a minute 
— Avill A^r, SamI?” called Dick. 

It AA'as the first time Dick had dared to hail 
his sii])erior so familiarly. Soon sensible of the 
im])ro])riety he tried to splutter some A’agne 
apology, blit Syd only smiltMl. 

Syd, could yon jilease tell me Iioaa^ to make 
a ma])? ” 

Well, noAA% that isn’t such an impossible 
task,” he condescended. When yon go on yoiir 
seA^en-mile hike yon take notes and rough draAA^- 
ings of the A^arions things that yon encounter on 
the route as jmn go along. Yoiir scale should be 
about an inch per mile. Yon already know', I 
take for granted, that you may luiA'e another scout 
along AA'ith you and that you are ex])ected to AA'rite 
up ail account of yonr tri]). You’ll find it A^ery 


AN ALTKRCATION TAKES PLACE 173 


lielpfiil to notes so that there remain 

no errors on the final draft. Tlie good map 3'On 
should make on sectional paper.” 

AVliat's that?” interrupted Larry. 

That wliite j>aper measured oft* with bine 
ink into scpiares. YouTe given an inch each 
way so that 3 onr line of march nia^^ cover from 
six to eight inches on the final map which is i)re- 
sented for inspection to the local council. All 
the main' signs and s^mibols for indicating 
bridges, rivers, principal elevations, etc., are in 
3mnr diaiw and should be learned beyond ques- 
tion. Don’t forget to show compass directions. 
Kemember in measuring that paced distance is 
011I3" approximate, but don’t let tliat bother you. 
Yon might discriminate between the road and 
wliat is found along it by using vari-colored 
inks.” 

Gee, thanks,” Dick glowed. When I takes 
me second class tests I'll almost be ready to do 
mv lirst class work.” 

Fine,” encouraged S^ul. the wa}^ — 

liow do 3^011 stand? ” 

Oh, so-so,” the younger lad replied. “ Me 
briidder and nieself practice all the junk together 
an we’re ready to take our seconds.” 

The senior patrol leader pricked up his ears. 


17i 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


Was it possible that boys who had been in scout- 
ing- only a week were already prepared to take 
their advanced grade examinations? 

^Won know,’’ he said, yon have to be a ten- 
derfoot for a month before yon can take yonr 
tests.” 

Why don't yon come to see ns? ” Larry pro- 
tested. We don't get many visitors.’’ 

Jove ” — Syd slapped his thighs — I 
have it! AVhat are yon fellows doing to-night? ” 
Nothin’ mnch,” Dick returned. 

Well, then,” 8yd ventured, what about my 
coming over to yonr home and giving yon a full 
review of the work yon have learned? ” 

Great,” both boys rejoined, if yon can spare 
the time an’ all that.’’ 

‘‘ Don’t woriy about that,” assured 8yd, who 
had understood perfectly Dick's incentive in stall- 
ing })rior to Lariw’s invitation. AVith that he 
tossed his sweater over his shoulders and made 
off for home, his friends’ gaze following him as 
he went. 


CHAPTER XVI 


DESTRUCTIVE SPIRITS AT WORK 

IX /T ONDAY inorniiig- as Dick and Larry ap- 
13roaclied the high school steps they found 
Syd and Willard working over a sticker in Latin.. 

Dick, who was in Syd’s class (third year 
grade) i)icked np the paper. 

Shrimp walked np at that moment and sniffed. 
Ilnh,-’ he spoke haughtily, Imagine that 
bloke translating Latin properly when he can’t 
even speak English.” 

Needless to say, Dick’s solving the lingual prob- 
lem silenced Shrimp. Although Dick continued 
to wear his tyi)ically hard character ” bearing 
he had advanced to third year high school and, as 
his teachers made the concession, always deliv- 
ered the goods while persistent in adopting every- 
thing he uttered to trench slang. 

The boys thereupon started up the stairs to 
their respective rooms. On the first landing Mr. 
Conner was found busy with a broom. He 
smiled blandly at all. But Shrimp tossed his 

nose to a more elevated position. 

175 


176 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


Don’t mind liiin, old scout,” Syd reasoned, 
slapping Dick across the slionlders. They had 
hung their caps in the school wardrobe and went 
into adjoining seats to talk things over. Dick 
had had some tronble with the hook on which 
he Avanted to pnt his cap, bnt had fixed it with 
his penknife. 

‘‘ He’ll come around yet.” Dick tried vainly 
to comfort himself. ‘‘ Yon know, he ain’t Avised 
np to AA’ho pulled him ont on Thursday night. 
And I guess keeping him aAvay from the rally 
Avill take a little o’ the ^ hi faintin’ ’ ont of him, 
too. Don’t Amn think so, too? ” 

Surely!” Avas Syd’s hearty rejoinder. 

Lessons that morning Avere easier nnder the 
trembling ray of hope that Dick’s classmate had 
infused into his heart. 

Y"oii never kin tell,” Dick mused, the boob 
might get a drift o’ somethin’ an’ floi) on me. 
Aav — but Avhat’s the use ! ” 

ToAvards the close of the noon hour Svd met 
all the scouts avIio Avere to be in the formation 
and reminded them that there would be practice 
as he had said the day before. 

Don’t forget,” he called as they made for 
their room, at the clash of the gong, right after 
dismissal,” 


DESTRUCTIVE SPIRITS AT WORK 


177 


The first hour of the afternoon passed without 
incident, but as the hands of the clock on the wall 
reached two, a gong sounded the signal for spe- 
cial assembly. Svd looked snrprisedly at Dicky 
who answered similarly. What could a special 
assembly mean on Monday? The first day of the 
week doesn’t as a rule call for excitement. 

The four high school classes filed into the andi- 
torinm and took their i)laces expectantly. Mr. 
Kavanagh made a few preliminary annonnce- 
ments and then stripped for action.” 

Boys,” he began gravely, removing his glasses 
with befitting dignity, last May at the inter- 
connty track meet (Ma^'ville High School won a 
beautiful trophy pbnpie, the first prize, which was 
mounted in an appropriate place in the main floor 
corridor. Directly after the Inncheon hour I 
found that the polished surface of it had been 
deliberately defaced with an instrnment that was 
undoubtedly a penknife. The letter of D has 
been carved thereon. I caused an investigation 
to be instituted, which resulted in the finding of 
this open penknife on the floor of the wardrobe. 
Examination by Mr. Jules, our chemistry teacher, 
revealed that the knife had only r ecc ntl^ l)een 
used for scratching metal. The knife bears the 
letters D. C., the first one corresponding to the 


178 SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


one found on the plaque. The owner of the pen- 
knife will please see me at the end of the assem- 
bly. If guilty he will pay for repairs and stay in 
an hour every day from now till the end of the 
terni.’^ 

Dick’s heart leaped. He felt in his pockets for 
his knife. It was gone. 

AVhen the third year students returned to their 
room they seemed to surmise a peculiar coinci- 
dence in Syd's crestfallen air and Dick’s absence. 

C/ 

Now let us take a look at Dick as with droop- 
ing head he enters the principal’s office. No 
longer is Mr. Kavanagh the easy-going scoutmas- 
ter of yesterday. He is the imposing schoolmas- 
ter. 

Dick, close the door.’’ 

The boy did as he was bidden and walked over 
to the principal’s desk. Mr. Kavanagh looked at 
him firmly. Here was the scout to whom he was 
a benefactor. 

Answer me truthfully and fearlessly, Dick 
— did you do it? ” 

No, sir! ” A tear was about to show itself, 
but he manfully subdued it. 

Then liow is it that your knife, dead evidence, 
was found? ’’ 

It was like this, Mr. Kavanagh : 


KSyd and 


DESTRUCTIVE SPIRITS AT WORK 179 


1110 were jmttiiT away our eaps this iiiornin’ and 
de iron hook I wanted to use was loose, so I used 
it (me knife) to cut a pe^- to pusli into the hole 
and in doiipi;* so it scratched on the hook.” 

31 r. Kavanagh went to the door and told a boy 
who lia])pened to be passing to go upstairs and 
tell Syd's teaclier to send that scout down to his 
office at once. 

A minute later Syd, pale-faced, came into the 
presence of the two. 

You sent for me, sir,” he said. 

Syd,” queried the principal, what do you 
know of Dick’s knife being in the wardrobe? ” 
The boy then repeated to the letter what Dick' 
had said : no two reports could have more coin- 
cided. 

31 r. Ivavanagh laid a hand on each of their 
shoulders and gazed steadily into their eyes. 

Boys,” smiled 3Ir. Kavanagh, I exonerate 
you both — unquestionably. I cannot doubt, 
Dick, that you are innocent of the misdemeanor. 
I apologize for having so inconvenienced you. 
It shall certainly be my business now to find the 
guilty person and that shall all come about in 
due time. Now go to your room.” 

Svd knew no bounds when they gained the 
hall and out of sheer joy over his friend’s re- 


180 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDExX CROSS 


lease, he hugged him as though to deprive him 
of his breath were his sole object. 

Dick, the much happier possessor of his knife, 
didn’t seem to mind it a bit. The question he 
asked himself was : Could it have been dat 

gazabo? ’’ But he said that to himself alone. 


CHAPTER XVII 


FISTICS 

‘ (lone the paltry trick? Why was 

the knife found in the wardrobe in the 
identical spot that Dick had left it? ” These 
were the two questions uppermost in the senior 
patrol leader’s mind as with books slnng care- 
lessl}" over his shoulder he trudged off for the 
northern end of the campus, where the scouts had 
planned to stage the rehearsal. Dick Avalked 
silently at his side. 

Fred, Gordon, Willard, and Larry, with two 
dilapidated bicycles, were waiting for him. 
Shrimp sat on the fence with his feet hanging 
and hands thrust deep in trouser pockets and 
evidently in sordid humor with everybody. 
Nevertheless, he waved to Syd and nodded in 
surly fashion at Dick. 

Dick answered the salutation in kind, walked 
his way, and practice commenced. 

It became clear to Syd when the formation 

twice collapsed that the catastrophies were due 

181 


1S2 SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


to ovei'lianl pulling’ away on Dick’s end. Syd 
mopped liis forehead and whistled. 

AVhaUs wrong, Dick? ’’ Syd followed Dick’s 
glance and encountered Shrimp performing an 
antagonizing evolution of pranks on the fence. 

Yah,” Shrimp yelled, slapping his knees, 
yon fellows on the bikes go about that stunt as 
gracefully as a pair of truck horses. Yah-yah- 
Hooo — ” 

Shrimp, cut that rattling out.” Syd was furi- 
ous and he flushed red, his face hot Avith some- 
thing more than perspiration and exhaustion. 
That the spectator’s object Avas to confuse Dick 
and Larry Avas obvious. 

If you can’t sit there and keep your mouth 
shut get off the campus.” 

Like fun! Get off — for whom? Yah I’’ 
Shrimp turned purposely to the boys and con- 
tinued his provocation. 

I get your game,” Syd baAAded. You’re 
dead sore because you can’t go to the rally, and 
seeing that you nurse an unfounded dislike for 
these fellows, 3'Ou’re unreasonable enough to try 
to preA^ent them from doing something for the 
good of the troop. Will you keep still or get 
oft*? ” He stepped backAvards and dug his nails 
into his palms as he clinched his fists. 


FISTICS 


183 


Shrimp laughed in Syd's face. 

Yah I — AYith a shriek Shrimp tumbled 
over backwards and landed heavily on the 
ground. He had incurred a great risk and had 
to stand the consequences. Syd’s last full meas- 
ure of patience had been exhausted and he had 
struck the agitator a blow in the face that made 
liiin reel and fall. 

Shrimp was dazed for a moment only. He 
sprang to his feet and, scaling over the fence, 
literally swam in on his assailant. A crowd of 
boys farther down near the school came running 
up attracted by the j)romise of a scrap. These 
together with those already spoken of formed a 
ring about the combatants and cheered and' of- 
fered advice as fancy took them. 

It was ol)vious that the general trend of senti- 
ment was with Syd. But this served- only to 
make his oi)ponent the wilder. He struck out 
blindly with the sole object of landing a knock- 
out blow and regaining his prestige. 

Dick stood aside, pale and praying inwardly. 

But somehow Syd was never where Shrimp 
thought him to be. On his toes all the time, he 
was describing circles about the ruthless one who 
with eyes closed was vainly endeavoring to hold 
his own against the dealing out of blows that 


184. SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 



With a shriek Shrimp tumbled over backwards and landed 

heavily on the ground. 


his opponent regularly tendered him. This i>re- 
cision and aeenraey on the senior patrol leader's 
part aroused the admiration of all. He ivas the 
better man. 

Shrimp, realizing this, precipitated a frantic 


FISTICS 


185 


attack and clinched. Syd delivered an nppercnt 
and 8hriinp's head shot np with a jerk. He re- 
laxed his hold and fell to the ground with a 
bleeding nose, ^yd stood over him the victor 
— ■ over his friend. 

‘‘Shrimp,” Syd said, “yon tried to work the 
dirt on me jnst as yon Avorked it on Dick on the 
hike, but T stopped yon.” Then he hel])ed the 
vanquished boy to his feet and sni)ported him 
to a near-bv fountain. 

t, 

Syd saturated a handkerchief and applied it 
to the back of the boy's neck Avith a key for 
])ressnre. He also tore a piece of broAvn paiier 
from the coA^er of his l)lank book and making it 
into a Avad thrust it into the boy's month under 
the upper lij). As the bleeding still continned 
to be profuse, he thrust tAvo ends of the hand- 
kerchief np Shrimp’s nostrils nntil the bleeding 
did stop. All the Avhile Shrimp held his head 
back. XoAV having done his duty, Syd offered 
the bo}^ his hand, and in the true spirit of Amer- 
ican sx)ort and fair play it aa as accepted. 

“ I>e here to-morroAV, felloAA^s, for practice,” he 
mnmbled and smiling all ’round, he Avalked oft in 
the direction of home, his books carefully tucked 
under his arm. 


CHAPTER XVIII 


SYD HEARS THE BUGLE BLAST 

EE, it’s lialf past foiii’. I may as well get 
Imsv with mv home work! ” Svd bolted 
info liis bouse and charged up to Ids room like a 
littl(‘ cavalcade. 

AYlien Ids mother called him for dinner at 
half ]>ast seven he had finished his final example 
in solid geometry, lie pounced into fresh clothes 
and came down to eat in better s])irits. 

After a swiff but hearty meal he took a peck 
at his mother and made for the town hall, where 
motion i)ictnrcs were shoAvn on Monday and Sat- 
nrdav evening. He had worked hard all dav 
and felt that he was justly entitled to the relaxa- 
tion. 

As he walked leisurely along J^tenson Avenue, 
the main thoroughfare, and that on which the 
town hall was situated, he thought of a number 
of things: school, home, scouts; but always pre- 
dondnant was haunting fear that ])erhaps he had 
done wrongly in coming to blows with Shrimp. 

It was a beautiful evening and the calm breezes 

18G 


SYD HEARS THE BUCKLE BLAST 


-187 


fanned liis clieeks, l)iit as 1 liave said, Ins 
tlioiiij^'lits were elsewhere. 

Just tlien tlie well-known blaziin*- lio-hts loomed 
np and he started to ascend the stone ste])s, 
when whom should he meet but Mr. Kavaiumh. 
He lifted his cai>. 

Syd, what was that mixnp I saw in progress 
on the campus this afternoon? ’’ asked the scont- 
niaster. 

The boy shifted uneasily. 

Pardon me, sir,” he put as a palliative, I 
know 1 was in the wrong to have struck him, but 
he will be so i)ersistent in degrading the Conners’ 
that I conld not liel]) it.” 

“ Svdnev Cameron,’’ exclaimed ]\lrs. Kavanagh, 

• c 7 0 7 

coming np, yon don’t mean to say that you 
actuallj^ fought with Shrimp? ” 

Yes, ma'am,” Syd confessed. I positively 
refused to have him hurt the Conner boys any 
longer.” 

“ AYell, if that’s certain he Avas a right bad 
fellow and deserved, absolutely, the licking you 
gave him,” the woman decided. 

I wonder Avhether Shrimp’s doings of late 
haven't been sufficient to warrant his losing his 
})atrol leadership.” 

Syd seemed not to understand. Although he 


188 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


was scoutmaster, Mr. KaYaiuii»h seldom, if ever, 
undertook a matter of such import without con- 
sulting him. 

Well, Syd,” he laughed, what about an 
answer? ” 

‘‘ Mr. Kavanagh — ” he appeared to be thresh- 
ing the matter ont witliout chance of reaching a 
conclusion — ‘‘ he does deserve to lose it if I 
may be so bold. Fhirthermore than this, I shall 
not say, for I would not be justilied." 

And whom might you suggest as his sue- 
cessor? ” 

Why not shift Dick Conner to the Wolf patrol 
and then authorize a reelection for leader? " 

The veiT idea I have been contem])lating 
myself. I>nt, come or we shall miss the picture 
feature. The show begins at 8 : 30 and we have 
only a few minutes to get in.” 

Des})ite ^'yd’s voluble objections, Mr. Kav- 
anagh i)aid for the senior patrol leader's ticket. 
The war picture was very ai)pealing to Syd, to 
be sure. 

(fee,” he thought as he Avended his wav slowlv 
homeward, if I were only old enough to do my 
bit with the other boys out there. But what’s the 
use of building castles,” he reasoned, they have 


SYI) HEARS THE BUGLE BLAST 


189 


no room for a kid in the trendies. I don’t count 
in the ranks.” 

A voice seemed to whisper in his ear. 

‘‘ Tliose at home have likewise tests to perform. 
Keep the home s])irit aglow, aid the Bed Cross, 
contrilnite to the Libertv Loans and Government 
Thrift Stamp camjiaigns. Tliere is work to be 
done on the farm and in the factorv. Munitions 
have to be made as well as clothing and food 
must be jirepared for our men lighting the bat- 
tles of Democracy on foreign soil. For }^ou, my 
bov, is the task of working well in vour educa- 
tioiial sphere, (’hallenge the man who circu- 
lates false rumors of a nature to discourage 
Americanism: men who would incite internal 
dissolution and rebellion with the reeking money 
of our enemies as jirojiaganda. These men are 
without honor and some of them adopt the vilest 
exjiedients to gain their selfish ends although 
born here. Beestablish patriotic courage in 
minds that are doubtful. To these tasks, my lad, 
should you dedicate yourself. It has been said : 
^ Children of America, you are the hope of the 
world I ’ ” 


CHAPTER XIX 


IN WHICH SHIHMP HEARS OF A 
MISPT)RTUNE 

QCHOOL dragged on as nsnal for the remaiii- 
^ der of the week. Saturday night came round 
again with the weekly meeting of the troop. 

After the formalities had been discharged Syd 
called on the scoutmaster to tell all he knew 
about the rally that was to be. Mr. Kavanagh 
took the chair with proper dignity. 

Roys,” he started, I have been told that 
one of our scouts acted in an unruly manner at 
the last meeting and aroused thereby the dis- 
l)leasure of the senior patrol leader. Because of 
his disobedience this scout is no longer to be 
known as leader of the Pine-tree i)atrol and is 
to stay away from the rally as a penalty.” 
Shrimp walked to the front of the room and 
laid his stripes on the desk. 

^^Just a moment, Shrimp,” spoke the scout- 
master, let us remember that this business is 

strictly official and does not prevent our still 

190 


SHRIMP HEARS OF A MISFORTUNE 191 


beiiio’ fi'ieiids and ])rotliei' scouts/’ He held out 
his liaiid. 

Shrimp seized it ardently and there were tears 
ill his eyes. 

I’m sorry, sir,” he faltered, sorry that it 
had to happen!” lie whirled about as though 
he had said more than he had intended. 

Mr. Kayanagh returned to the contents of his 
brief case. 

There are two other official changes to be 
made in the troop to-night. Scouts Dick Conner 
and George Dockerell will exchange places in 
their respectiye patrols and the Pine-trees will 
elect a new leader.’’ 

Shrimp and Dick were equally surprised at • 
the issue. They stood up and changed places. 
Slips of paper and pencils were thereujion dis- 
tributed among the Pine-trees. 

Leaye it completely to the members theni- 
selyes,” the scoutmaster declared; they know 
with whom they are dealing and I hope vyill 
choose judiciouslj^ Write the name of your 
choice on the blank, fold it in half, and put it on 
my desk when you haye finished.” 

In a few minutes the eight ballots were on the 
desk well shuffled up and ready to be made 
known, 


U)2 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDExX CROSS 


One vote for A^Tlhird F^raiiklin. 

^n)itto for Gordon Breton. 

Six votes for Dick Coioier. 

Dick Conner is elected leader of Pine-tree 
])atrol.” 

Shrihip came to as from a dream. Only a ten- 
derfoot two weeks in the trooj) and Dick makes 
a i>atrol leadershii) against F^irst-Class Scout 
Franklin. He Avas astounded. 

Scouts stand I " 

The troo}) came to attention. 

“ AVe will salute the iieAv j)atrol leader. 
Scouts salute I " 

The hands Avent shar])ly to forelieads all Avith 
a right good Avill except one and that trembled 
Avith a contrary motion. 

Scouts be seated I ’’ 

The troop resumed seats and business Avent 
on. Air. Kavanagh took up a list of contribu- 
tions to the rally displays that he Avas to acknowl- 
edge. 

Up to date,” he announced, ‘‘ I have a hand- 
carved chess board and men, a landscape scene 
made in pa})er, Avood, and stone Avork, a knitted 
SAveater, home-made signal tlags, and a strap ar- 
rangement for conveying luggage on the back or 
on the rear carrier of a bicycle.” 


CHAPTER XX 


OUH F1HP]N1)S l^EAliN TO SWIM 

afternoon that next week was devoted 

to ])raetiee. It was really remarkable to 
see the rapidity and ready skill with which the 
hoys a.C(]nired the knack of going about the stunt. 
Syd had no longer reason to complain of AYil- 
lard's jnmi)ing upon him too heavily. Every- 
thing went on to the best of his liking. 

Saturday afternoon Dick and Larry, their daily 
tasks over, were skylarking before their house 
when Syd came np with a bathing suit strapped 
to his handle bars. 

lley, fellows,’’ he invited with much cordial- 
ity^, come on for a swim. There’s a dandy place 
not a half mile out of town where you can flap 
around undisturbed.” 

Hurray ,” y^elled both boys together. But 
Ave can’t SAvini I ” 

Oh, that’s nothing,” Syd ansAA^red. I’ll 
teach von hoAV in no time if you come. It’s beau- 
tifully calm there and an ideal place for SAvim- 
niing.” 


193 


19 i SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


We need sliirts — don’t we? ” Lariy inquired. 

“ Not necessarily, altlionj^h it would be inncli 
nicer for boys of onr sizes to wear them. Come, 
<>et yonr wheels and we'll be oft.” 

iT* c 

A half hour later found them in their bathing 
suits, their clothes and bikes laid away in a 
growth of high yegetation on the bank of a small 
wooded lake. 

Come in now,” Syd said. It isn’t deep.” 

The boys waded in and tingled with pleasure 
as the water came in contact with their bodies. 

“ The first thing to keep in mind is this,” said 
Syd. To sink is the most difficult thing to 
do if yon keei) yonr wits about yon. Yon Avill 
always sink feet first no matter how Amn hit 
the Ayater. IlaA^e perfect confidence and relax 
all yonr muscles with as much feeling of safety 
as YOU would if yon Ayere lying in a bed. Lie 
down hat in the Ayater noAy, face doAyn, and moA^e 
Amur hands and feet back and forAyards.” 


Tliey fell on the surface of the Ayater as di- 
rected, took a few strokes and then jumped to 
their feet sputtering and amused to find that 
they had made a few inches’ progress. 

NoAy try to do the same thing, lifting Amnr 
head ont of the Ayater,” Syd directed. 

Both boys obliged, made a stroke, receiyed each 


OUR FRIENDS LEARN TO SWIM 


195 


a nose fall of water, and once more sta^^ered to 
tlieir feet, not quite as snceessfnl as before, but 
a good deal more anxious to learn. 

Take yonr l)reatli in gasps tlirongh the month 
and dispel the air whenever possible.’’ 

The breast stroke,” the teacher explained, 

is the easiest to learn and wlien accomplished 
is the most restful of any. F^eet and arms should 
move together. Place jialnis together, fingers 
joined, wrists against chest. Now move hands 
forward separating them and turning ])alms out- 
ward and backwards. Push back as far as ])os- 
sible with a regular even stroke and quickl^y 
return to the first position. The feet should be 
worked just like a frog's; kicked to the sides and 
knees brought together under the stomach. Now 
trv it.” 

t ' 

The boys went to it like regulars and to their 
own and Syd's agreeable surprise made two per- 
fect strokes apiece. 

^^F^inel Great!” breathed Svd. ^MVhv, I 
shouldn’t be a bit surprised if you fellows pass 
your swimming examination and become first- 
class scouts by the time to register. All I can 
say is : ^ Go to it ! ’ ” 

The new-found swimming hole was patronized 
the next (Saturday afternoon also, you may be 


19G SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


sure. Things were going at a nincli livelier tune 
in Clayville. Meetings were taken n]) entirely 
with drill and preparation for the rally and on 
the Saturday night prior to the rally, which Avas 
on Thursday, Syd was able to report that the 
forniation was perfect and that he and Uaul Den- 
bigh were in readiness for the obstacles race. 

On ^londav eA^ening Mr. KaA’anagh and Svd 
returned from New York Avith some mysterious 
ljundles Avhich they stored aAvav under the for- 
mer’s library ' table. AYednesdaA" eATuiing they 

ty t O t.’ 

Avere trans])orted to the Conner establishment 
and aided by the patriarchial Avorthy they per- 
formed some A^ery necessary ceremonial services 
in the boA^s’ l)edroom. They stole back again. 

At nine o’clock the boys came home and met 
their father on the rickety })orch. 

Why so gloomy, boA^s? You look all blimey 
mussed up.” 

No chance, dad,” sighed Dick, AveTl liaAm 
to go to the rally Avithout uniforms.” 

AYell, me boys,” (luoth the old man, go up 
to your room an’ maybe the good Lord’ll help 
you out yet ! ” 

In a half-hearted aa ay they made their Avay up 
to the dark little room, their father following at 


OUR FRIENDS LEARN TO SWIM 


197 


a distance. Dick struck a matcli and lit the 
lain]). 

^^Zowie!” his brotlier screeched, an’ look; 
the same laAmnt fer me. Yea! Yea!’’ 

The two Amnths fell each in the other's arms 

t, 

and rolled all o\(^v the hed in hinii alee amid 
the tearful laughter of their father. It AA^as he 
AA'ho stood beside them holding a ticket to the 
rallA\ All the other sconts had been gWen theirs 
but Dick and Larry had, strange to say, not re- 
ceived them for some reason ; this one. 

^^AVho Avas it, pop?” begged the boys. Do, 
])lease, tell ns ! ” 

AVell, an’ sure,’’ the man retorted, it Avas 
the scnthmaster, his helper, an’ that boy, Syd.” 
Dick and Larry, hugging the beloA^ed khaki to 
them, Avith tears in their eyes, could only say: 
God bless ’em ! ” 


CHAPTER XXI 


EXPLANATION AT LAST ! 

'T^HUPSDAY, July 4th, dawned as fair a sum- 
mer's dav as one could wish for on the 

C’ 

o’reat day of American independence. Breezes 
from the south seemed to bear sounds of music. 

At the time a])pointed the troop convened in 
front of the scoutmaster’s house with its bicycles 
and full equipment. The trek cart Avas also 
brought up and the boys Avere ready to hit the 
road to Cartersville. When Dick and Larry put 
in their appearance all dressed u]) in their iieAV 
kliaki the scouts yelled as though they meant 
to rend the skies asunder. The signal Avas given 
to mount. 

Slowly the column ])roceeded doAvii the main 
aA^enne, but failed to excite OA^er interest. In 
truth, three-quarters of the toAvn Avere headed the 
same Avay for preciselA^ the same purpose. As 
they passed by the railroad and trolley stations 
they saAV them black Avith people boarding the 
train and cars for CartersAulle Jimctioii. 


198 


EXPLANATION AT LAST! 


199 


At eight the troop arrived at the park. In a 
large band-stand a nninber of musicians were 
tuning like fifty stomachaches. Everywhere 
were knots of khaki-clad youngsters, tents of such 
troops as came from more remote places and had 
stayed over niglit, display tents containing some 
of Cla^'Ville's Troop's treasures that liad been 
sent ahead on the train the night before, and 
gaily colored flags marking the posts of the many 
troops. 

Scout orderlies on bicycles with red cards 
stuck in their hat bands, scurried hither and 
thither as they marshalled the troojis. One of 
these ushered onr Troop to its i>lace near the 
siding. 

Already Svd estimated the number of scouts 

t. t 

present to be about three hundred and coming on 
in an unceasing stream. Crowds were jiassing in 
and out of the tents and evinced their special 
admiration of those flying the Red Cross flag. 
These had been erected in order to administer 
to those meeting casualties. When the bugle 
blew at nine o'clock Mr. Thompson, the commis- 
sioner had a re})ort showing five hundred scouts 
present and in uniform. 

The first number was the salute to the flag and 
the singing of the national anthem. After that 


200 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


came the inspection of troo])s with a prize for 
tliat sliowin^- the most scoiit-like appearance. 

The council staff l)epui I'eviewing' the lines at 
the sides of the held. 8yd stole a (piick glance 
at his troop. Every tiling seemed at rights. The 
scouts were erect in colnmii of sipiads with bicy- 
cles close beside them. F]ach jiatrol leader had 
his pennant, and Old Glory ” and the troop 
hags were np front in the hands of the Conners’ 

Here and there the men paused and seemed to 
talk over troo]is. 

Clayville Troop!” The judges had at last 
reached them. F^vei'v bov’s backbone involnn- 
tarily straightened np. Critically the officers re- 
viewed the troo]), smiled, and passed Avithont 
comment on down the sidelines. 8vd heaved 
Avith blessed relief. 

A moment later another bngle blast rang ont 
and Clayville Troop Avent about its drill Avork 
Avith sncli snap and soldierly bearing that a AvaA^e 
of apiilanse greeted the maiuenver. Dick, Larry, 
and the others leaped gently on to their AAdieels 
and the formation tleAV across the held as AVillard 
sent : 

S-C-O-U-T. 

The commissioner turned to his deputy. 


EXPLANATION AT LAST! 


201 


Clayville Troop takes tlie einbleni,” he whis- 
pered. Tint, see,” rejoined the deputy, Eey- 
den Troop is building a fine signal tower ! ” 

Both looked that way and the commissioner 
was on the point of altering his word when the 
tower quivered and crashed to the ground. The 
job was a failure. 

The lad on top was taken to the tirst aid tent 
where it was found that he had a badly l)rnised 
arm and leg. 

Next on the day's i)rogram was the obstacde 
race. Syd and Paul i)eeled off their coats and 
went to the center of the held, where eight rojies 
were hanging from a beam originally used to 
support swings. Tliere the conditions of the 
game were re])eated to them and Syd went to 
the starting line with the other scouts. Paul 
took his place at the half-way mark to be carried 
back. 

A ])istol shot cut the air : they were off ! Out 
of the corner of his e^^e Byd saw that he had a 
lead. He caught a hying hold on the rope, scram- 
bled to' the top, slid down, and started off again 
with a Cartersville scout just beside him. Then 
he was given a rope. 

Bowline, carrick, bend and reef,” the official 
shouted. 


202 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 


Sy(Es fingers deftly formed the knots and he 
made for I^anl. But that other scont was always 
alongside. Eagerly S,yd caught hold of Paul. 
Paul clasped his hands together and as he did 
so Syd bound his wrists together with a handker- 
chief. In a moment the senior patrol leader was 
on all fours with his neck under the tied wrists 
and was starting back. But that stranger was 
1‘ight on a line with his nose. All at once ^yd 
felt the hands above him slij) ai)art. In his haste 
he had made a graniiv and not a reef. The other 
scout edged his load over the line and was pro- 
nounced Avinner. 

No hard feeling? the victor called to pnr 
friend. 

I should say not I ” answered Syd, rimning 
forward and clasping the scout's hand. He AA^ent 
back Avith Paul to the troop a trifle depressed, 
but light in the consciousness that he had done 

o 

his best in a sportsmanlike Avay. 

Hr. Kavanagh met him Avith eyes that Avere 
tAvinkling merrily and threAV him into a terrible 
state of mind l\y shaking hands Avith him. 

During this time a boA" in the crowd edged 
his AvaA^ through the promiscuous mass and sta- 
tioned himself at the Avire that divided the scouts 
from the spectators. 


EXPLANATION AT LAST! 


203 


Syd and Mr. Kayanagli were engaged in an 
animated and liiglily gesticnlative talk. The 
former held np what appeared to be a program. 

Gordon, sound the troop assemble call/’ ejac- 
nlated the seontmaster. 

Gordon seized his trnmpet and out blared the 
call. 


A minnte later the eonncil bngle blew and both 


seonts and visitors docked to their jdaces. The 
wires were opened and all closed in on the band- 
stand. 

In the stand stood the whole council staff and 
another imi)osing looking gentleman with tor- 
toise-shell rimmed glasses. The commissioner 
step])ed forward to speak. 

“ Scouts,” he commenced when the din had sub- 
sided sufficiently to ])ermit of being heard, the 
rally has been a success thns far. There are, 
however, a number of Incky seonts who will now 
receive their awards. 1 take great pleasure in 
introducing to yon a representative from Na- 
tional IIea(hinarters : no less than Ghief Scout 
Executive Janies P]. West, who will preside over 


this ceremony. All the scouts have heard of him, 
blit few have ever seen him in the desh.’’ 

One can about picture the reception that en- 
sued. Shouts, applause, bugle thrills, and whis- 


204 


SCOUT or THE GOLDEN CROSS 


ties rang in the air until the offieial^ over- 
whelmed, raised his hand in token of silenee. 

lie made a sliort and insi)iring speeeh that 
ernhd with these words : “ Therefore, have I 

deemed it so great a ])rivilege to bestow upon 
seonts the fi-nits of their own labors. AAT)i-k that 
is as eijiiallv vital to Amniig America as is that of 
those S})lendid armies tliat now stand nnitc'd in 
a common cause. May their work^ Ave pray, be 
as successful as Ave AA'ish it.'’ 

The chief raised his hand to (inell the Avave 
of ai)planse. A breathless silence prevailed. A 
box and a list of awards Avere jdaced Avithin 
reach, lie oi)ened both. 

At least tifty scouts Avere called up and these 
AV(*re i)r( sented Avith first class and merit badges. 
Eventuallv he came to second class. 

‘‘ Diehard and Lawrence Conner of CTavville 
Troo]).'’ They Avere first on the roll. They had 
taken the examination on Tuesday and jiaid for 
the badges, Imt had never expected them to be 
successful. Svd, Avho had been Avith them Avhile 
they took it, preferred not to dAvell on the sub- 
ject in coiiA^ersation, although it must be said that 
he laughed outright noAv. They got up front in 
a dreamv condition and received their badges. 
Then the rest of the badges Avere gAeu out. 


EXPLANATION AT LAST! 


205 


A large variety of athletic prizes occupied the 
next ten niinntes. 

It gives me great pleasure to announce/’ Mr. 
West said, that the honor flag has been Avon by 
Clayville Trooj). AVill the scoutmaster please 
step up? ” 

Mr. Ka\^anagh caught hold of Svd's arm Avitli 
a feint for sup[)ort. Leaning on the senior patrol 
leader’s shoulder he came forAA ard Avhile the offi- 
cial unfurled a gorgeous China silk flag. 

A^our troop has made an excellent shoAvdng, 
Mr. KaA’^anagh,” spoke the chief, extending his 
hand, and 1 Avish to comjdiment both Aa)ur boys 
and yourself on having Avon this prize to-day.’’ 

The leader accei)ted it Avith a lifting Avord of 
thanks and Avalked martially back to the senior 
])atrol leader, avIio took it staff and all, but ut- 
tered not a Avoid. 

Noav for the tinest part of the Avork,^’ Mr. 
A^Tst commented. 

A boy in the surging mass looked hurriedly at 
a program. 

IIONOR MEDAL AAYARDED TO? 

The official smiled cheerfully at the scouts 
ranged about him and opened a small mahogany 
box. 


206 


SCOUT OF THE GOLDExX CROSS 


It is customary, ” came the resonant voice 
of the man from lieadquarters, that ^yhen a 
scout has (lone a deed meriting an award of any 
kind he appear l)efore a council. We have in 
hand to-day an extraordinary case. There is a 
troop present to-day that lias reason to he proud 
of one of its members. F^or in that troop there 
are two scouts, one rich, the other })Oor. Poor, 
did I sav? Nav — rich ; in cliaracter. One arro- 
gaiit and overbearing; the other kind and forgiv- 
ing. On a camping trip held not long ago onr 
wealthy scout fell into a mountain stream and 
was rescued bv his humbler friend in a wav too 
length}" to relate; by the very boy whom he had 
railed at and reviled. 

To risk one's life for a friend who has never 
lilayed the friend is a greater thing. But for 
the feelings of the jioorer boy 1 would bar the 
richer boy from the movement. All honor and 
respect therefore to the scout to wdiom the na- 
tional council has voted the first gold cross for 
devotion in saving the life of a brother scout wdth 


great personal risks incurred, Bichard Conner.’’ 
Dick sw ayed unsteadily and — 


Stop ! Stop I ’' A part of the crow d seemed 
to give way as a boy rushed madly to the front. 


EXPLANATION AT LAST! 


207 


Tlien the shout died away as if by enchantment. 
The boy walked up to Dick and led him forward 
to the donor of the medal. 

Dick — ’’ Shrimp’s eyes were tearful — I 
am a cur and not worthy of your consideration. 
You were foolish to have endaimered yourself on 
my account, for I was not worth it. I may just 
as well make a clean breast of the whole thing. 
I was the one who defaced the trophy plaque ! ” 
He turned to Mr. Kavanagh, who had come up 
as he said this. 

Mr. Kavanagh, here is my first class badge. 
To me it means now only a piece of designed 
metal; nothing more. Take it, it is forfeit.^’ 

He turned to the official and straightened np. 
His head was tossed high. He would be a scout 
to the last. 

Mr. West, as the last thing T do as a scont, 
permit me to pin the medal on my rescuer.” He 
walked l)ack to Dick, pinned the shiny medal 
on him and turned to go. 

^MVait ! ” Dick stopped him, and, taking the 
first class badge from the scoutmaster, restored 
it to its place on Shrimp's lapel, and snatched 
his hand in a firm grip in which two fingers inter- 
locked. 


208 SCOUT OF THE GOLDEN CROSS 



He walked back to Dick and pinned the shiny medal on him. 


Somehow, somewhere, but lustily was heard the 
scout “ sis-boom ’’ yell, with “ Shrimp " and 
Dick ” on the end. 


THE END 


WHO’S WHO AMONG AUTHORS 

WALTER A. DYER 
Author of “Sons of Liberty,” etc. 

Here is a man whom every boy and girl ought to 
know. He is a jolly, entertaining and interesting 
companion and — like most boys — is a lover of outdoor 
life. But his chief attraction centers in his gift for 
story-telling. He is a born story-teller, with an 
extraordinary fund of knowledge that seems inex- 
haustible. 

To begin with, Walter A. Dyer is a recognized au- 
thority on antiques. He can look at an old table, or 
an ancient piece of silverware, or some other old 
work of art, and tell you just what its history is. 
Then, he is an authority on the breeds of dogs. Some 
of his best stories have been based upon his knowledge 
of dogs. “The Dogs of Boytown” is one of i\Ir. 
Dyer’s dog stories and a better story would be hard 
to find. Mr. Dyer knows, also, about country life and 
farming and horses. One of his most popular books, 
“Ben, the Battle Horse,” is the story of a race horse 
that is taken into the United States Army during the 
World War and sent to France where he gets into the 
thick of the fighting and is awarded the Croix de 
Guerre. 

Walter A. Dyer is the son of a newspaper editor. 


I 


He was born in Roslindale, Mass., but was soon taken 
to Springfield, Mass., where he spent most of his boy- 
hood. He graduated from the Springfield High 
School and from there went to Amherst College. 
After receiving his degree from Amherst, he entered 
his father’s profession and served an apprenticeship 
in newspaper and trade journal work. In 1005 he 
joined the staff of Country Life, and soon after was 
made editor of that magazine. In 1914 he resigned 
his editorial position in order to devote his entire at- 
tention to the writing of books and magazine articles. 

He has published thirteen books in all. His stories 
for boys and girls — “The Five Babbits at Bonny- 
acres,” “The Dogs of Boytown,” “Ben, the Battle 
Horse,” and “Sons of Liberty” — are published by 
Henry Holt and Company, 19 West 44th St., New 
York, N. Y. 


CHARLES PIERCE BURTON 
Author of “The Boys of Bob’s Hill,” etc. 

Charles Pierce Burton is a boy’s man, that is, he is 
a man who understand boys and whom boys under- 
stand. The boys who know Mv. Burton just natur- 
ally consider him one of their best and most intimate 
friends. 

Mr. Burton was born in Anderson, Indiana, but, 
when only three months old, was moved to Adams, 
• Mass., where he lived for nearly twelve years in a 

2 


house at the foot of Bob’s Hill — the same Bob’s Hill 
which Mr. Burton has since made famous through his 
Bob’s Hill stories. His house was on Park’s Street, 
and stood between the homes of Phillip and Black in- 
ton, just as described in his books. When twelve 
years old, Burton was taken back to the West and set- 
tled down with his family at Aurora, 111., where he has 
lived ever since. 

His father was the editor and proprietor of a coun- 
try weekly. The Aurora Herald, and young Burton’s 
first job, after graduating from High School was on 
his father’s paper. Later, he and his father founded 
a daily paper of which Mr. Burton subsequently be- 
came editor and proprietor. Mr. Burton is now the 
editor and manager of a trade magazine called The 
Earth Moves. , 

The Bob’s Hill series consist of lively, thrilling 
tales of the exciting adventures of young Phillip and 
his pal, Blackinton. They are capital stories, and 
as The Congregationalist says — “it would be hard to 
find anything better in the literature of New Eng- 
land.” There are now seven books in the series; 
“The Boys of Bob’s Hill,” “The Bob’s Cave Boys,” 
“The Bob’s Hill Braves,” “The Boy Scouts of Bob’s 
Hill,” “Camp Bob’s Hill,” “Raven Patrol of Bob’s 
Hill,” and “The Trail Makers.” They can be ob- 
tained through any bookstore, or direct from the pub- 
lishers, Henry Holt and Company, 19 West 44th 
Street, New York, N. Y. 


3 


ALFRED BISHOP MASON 


Author of “Tom Strong, Washington’s Scout,” etc. 

An eventful career has provided ^Ir. Alfred Bishop 
IMason with an ever interesting background for his 
books for boys. As a journalist, a lawyer, a builder 
of railroads, and an author, he has had many unique 
experiences and has traveled extensively through for- 
eign countries as well as through the United States. 

Mr. j\Iason was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut. 
He is a descendant of Captain Levi iMason, of the Revo- 
lutionary Army, and Stephen Hopkins, one of the 
signers of the Declaration of Independence. In 
1871 he was graduated from Yale University and be- 
came a journalist, joining the editorial staff of the 
Chicago Tribune. He studied law and was admitted 
to the bar in 1875. He has been a Vice-president 
of the Jacksonville, Tampa, & Key West Railroad 
(1883-1889) and President of the Vera Cruz & Pa- 
cific Railroad in IMexico (1898-1902). 

Ilis first book for boys, “Tom Strong, Washington’s 
Scout,” was published by Henry Holt and Company 
in 1911 and was instantly recognized to be one of the 
best juvenile books of the year. Six different edi- 
tions of “Tom Strong, Washington’s Scout,” have 
since been printed, and the first edition is now in its 
fifth printing. Mr. Mason’s recent additions to the 
Tom Strong series — “Tom Strong, Boy-Captain,” 
“Tom Strong, Junior,” “Tom Strong, Third,” and 
“Tom Strong, Lincoln’s Scout” — have proved equally 
popular. 


4 


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